Hello Mrs. Mueller,

I am Kara Pankratz, I grew up in Saint Nazianz, WI. I have been struggling with allergies for over ten years now. I began shot treatments through Aurora Healthcare when I was about 13 years old. During those three years that I had my shot treatment I still had no control over my allergies. My allergies are to all animal dander, with cattle dander being the worst. About a year and half ago, I began having anaphylactic shock to cattle dander. I was always able to tell about 10 minutes before my throat would begin closing so I was always able to get medical attention in time. However, at this time I was still not prescribed an EpiPen, which would have been lifesaving if I was not able to seek medical attention in time. I simply, to say the least, was extremely lucky, however, in most cases, including Dillon’s, this is not the case.

Since I was not prescribed an EpiPen, I made the decision to try allergy shot treatment again in order to get control over my allergies with hopes of stopping the anaphylactic shock. This was approximately three weeks ago. When I saw the doctor again today, he prescribed me an EpiPen without even requesting it. I asked my doctor why, now, after many years of having severe allergies and having anaphylactic shock as well, that I am finally prescribed an EpiPen. He explained to me that it is now become their protocol to prescribe ALL patients with ANY type of allergy an EpiPen in order to prevent a tragic reaction. This news was great to hear knowing that many people have anaphylactic shock suddenly, without any further indication of previous issues with it. On top of finding out their willingness and adamant supplying of the EpiPen to all patients, they are also giving all patients a card to use when they pick up their EpiPen which covers up to $100 of the copay. I was able to get my EpiPen for free and still have another $75 to use on future pick-ups of my EpiPen.

With all of my struggles, and knowing personally how hard it was to get an EpiPen, I want to thank you and your family. Your efforts are being recognized by the medical field and they are making efforts to make sure another tragic loss does not happen again. While EpiPens are still not available non-prescription at this moment, I do believe soon they will be. Again, thank you endlessly. God bless you and your family for your courageous work helping others have this preventative measure to save their own lives.

– Kara Pankratz