Family fights for "Dillon's Law"
TWO RIVERS, Wis. (WBAY) - A Two Rivers family makes an emotional appeal before lawmakers in Madison as "Dillon's Law" is one step closer to becoming reality.
They're supporting a bill in honor of their late son that would give more people the ability to administer life-saving care to someone suffering a severe allergic reaction.
Testifying before the Assembly Committee on Health today, George and Angel Mueller painfully described how a simple bee sting changed their lives forever.
"Imagine having to pick out your casket for your youngest of three sons, calling six of his best friends to be pall bearers and choosing the clothes he will be wearing forever," testified Angel Mueller from Two Rivers.
In 2014, 18-year old Dillon Mueller suffered anaphylaxis and died after getting stung doing yard work.
"As I stared down at Dillon in his ICU hospital bed, in a coma and on life support, I made the decision that I was going to do everything in my power to make sure no other family has to endure such a tragedy that we are enduring," says Mueller, Dillon's mom.
After Dillon's death, his parents successfully lobbied for a new law to allow businesses and organizations in Wisconsin to undergo training to obtain epinephrine auto-injectors, often called epi-pens, for emergency administration to anyone suffering a severe allergic reaction.
Now, with the help of Representative Andre Jacque from De Pere, the Muellers are pushing for what they call a common sense addition to that law.
Dillon's Law would allow anyone properly trained to use an epi-pen anywhere.
First responders who tried to save Dillon, say his case is a perfect example of why the new law is needed.
"This is truly life-saving, truly life-saving, in Dillon's case he sat too long prior to the epinephrine arriving at the scene," testified Two Rivers Assistant Fire Chief David Murack.
Following testimony, every lawmaker on the committee pledged their support for the bill, which now moves before the full legislature.
"Dillon's Law will save lives, those who are undiagnosed with severe allergies need our help, it could be you, your grandchild or someone you love, believe us, you do not want to be in our shoes," testified Mueller.