This past Monday, while picking up my Symbicort prescription at CVS Pharmacy CVS Health in Allentown, I experienced a powerful reminder of why this work is so important.

As I waited at the pharmacy counter, I overheard a woman speaking with the pharmacist about her epinephrine auto-injector prescription. She shared that she had experienced a severe allergic reaction over the weekend. As I listened, my heart sank.

She explained that when she attempted to use her first EpiPen, the needle never deployed. Thankfully, she was carrying a second device. Her husband administered it to her before emergency responders arrived.

I introduced myself and told her how relieved I was to have a second EpiPen available. We spoke for a few moments, and she described how terrifying the experience had been. She couldn't stop thinking about what might have happened if she hadn't had that second device with her.

Then she shared something that concerned me even more.

She told me she no longer had any EpiPens available because she had used her last one during the emergency. She was waiting for her doctor to send a new prescription, but it was taking longer than expected.

She then looked at me and asked, "How do you know so much about food allergies?" I took a deep breath and shared Elijah's story. I explained how my son, Elijah-Alavi, lost his life to an allergic reaction and how that tragedy led me to dedicate my life to food allergy awareness, education, and advocacy. I told her why I speak so passionately about carrying two epinephrine auto-injectors and why I constantly remind individuals and families that epinephrine saves lives.

Without hesitation, I reached into my backpack. I carry additional epinephrine auto-injectors with me, and I handed it to her. For a moment, she was speechless. Then the emotion hit.

She thanked me repeatedly. She was overwhelmed, not because of the medication itself, but because someone understood exactly what she had just gone through. I told her that I simply wanted her to be safe and to have access to the life-saving medication she needed until her prescription could be filled.

After thanking me again, she left the pharmacy. A few minutes later, as I walked outside, I noticed she and her husband were still in the parking lot talking. While sitting in his car, her husband thanked me personally. I told him that while I was grateful I could help, the real hero was him.

When his wife needed him most, he acted. He didn't freeze. He didn't hesitate. He used that second epinephrine auto-injector and helped save her life. We talked about how important it is for people to know where epinephrine is located, how to use it, and to act immediately during anaphylaxis. In an emergency, preparation and action can make all the difference.

Before we parted ways, I wished them both well and reminded them to always carry two epinephrine devices. When anaphylaxis strikes, use epinephrine first and use it fast.

As I drove home, I couldn't stop thinking about the encounter.

Years ago, I would have given anything for someone to have been there for Elijah to save his life. Sometimes advocacy happens in legislative chambers. Sometimes it happens at community events. And sometimes it happens unexpectedly in the middle of a CVS Pharmacy

For me, it was a reminder that preparedness matters. Education matters. Access matters. And carrying a second epinephrine device can mean the difference between life and death.