( Image: Kennedy News and Media)
A 30-year-old teacher has shared how a chicken nugget meal triggered a severe allergic reaction, leaving her in a coma and facing months of grueling recovery. Amanda Clark, a Latin teacher from Richmond, Virginia, recalled the life-threatening ordeal that began during a seemingly normal outing with a friend over Labor Day weekend in September 2023.
Amanda enjoyed chicken nuggets and fries at a restaurant, avoiding her known allergen—fish. However, just 30 minutes after finishing her meal, she began feeling unwell, breaking out in hives, and experiencing swelling in her tongue. Suspecting cross-contamination in the kitchen, she used her EpiPen, but her symptoms persisted.
“I started to feel unwell 30 minutes later. I got hives first, then the swelling started,” Amanda explained. “That’s how I knew it was my fish allergy because my tongue swelled up—it’s my only known allergy.”
Rushing to the hospital, Amanda was treated with multiple medications but required intubation when her condition worsened. Doctors placed her in a medically induced coma. During her 47-day hospital stay, she developed sepsis, underwent two surgeries, and spent time in rehabilitation before being discharged in October, told The Sun.
Amanda thought the worst was behind her until February 2024, when she experienced a second severe allergic reaction while driving home from work. “I just couldn’t breathe. My throat swelled up, and I had hives all over,” she said. Despite administering an EpiPen and calling 911, she required hospitalization.
During her second hospitalization, Amanda faced further complications, including respiratory failure and a stroke caused by oxygen deprivation. She became partially paralyzed on her right side but has made significant progress in her recovery.
“My body went through such a trauma on that Labor Day weekend,” Amanda said. “I’ve been in the hospital pretty much since then. I’ve started getting some movement back in my legs but still nothing in my arms until August.”
Unable to return to teaching, Amanda remains determined to recover. “It’s been so hard not being able to work. I miss it so much. I’d do anything to be back in the classroom,” she said.
Reflecting on her journey, Amanda said, “I’ve come so close to death, and by the grace of God, I’ve been given a new life. My advice to anyone with allergies is always carry an EpiPen and get medical help straight away.”
