Teen Reunites with MUSC Doctors After Life-Threatening Peanut Allergy Reaction

A Charleston-area teenager who suffered a life-threatening allergic reaction to peanuts has reunited with the medical team that saved her life at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital.

The Incident

Charlotte Whitley, a 16-year-old high school junior from Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, experienced severe anaphylaxis after consuming food that her family believes contained peanut butter, despite her history of avoiding known allergens. The reaction progressed to cardiac arrest, requiring emergency intervention including the use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) to sustain her life.

Emergency Response

Her mother, Guang Ming “GM” Whitley, administered an epinephrine injection from Charlotte’s EpiPen upon recognizing the severity of the reaction before rushing her to the hospital. Medical staff at MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital provided advanced care that ultimately stabilized her condition.

The Reunion

The reunion, which took place recently, allowed Charlotte to express her gratitude to the doctors and nurses whose coordinated efforts were critical in her recovery. MUSC celebrated its first-ever ECMO reunion, where patients could reunite with the doctors who saved their lives.

Looking Ahead

It’s been more than a year since Charlotte was at MUSC. She soon will have a peanut-detection dog that will be able to share what food she can and cannot eat. Her mother said that they treat every day as a blessing.

About Peanut Allergies

Peanuts is one of the most common allergies amongst people in the United States. According to MUSC, peanut allergies have been rising for years. There are nine major allergens that cause most serious food allergy reactions in the United States.