In His Shoes: A Conversation with Lindsey Spangler about Education, Advocacy, and Saving Lives

In this episode, we sit down with Lindsey Spangler, Executive Director of Red Sneakers for Oakley and allergy mom, about turning tragedy into lifesaving advocacy. She shares how RSFO is closing critical gaps in food allergy education by bringing together healthcare providers, first responders, schools, parents, and communities. Through awareness, collaboration, and action, the foundation is working to create a safer world for children everywhere.Lindsey Spangler is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with over 15 years of experience in the medical field and co-founder of Red Sneakers for Oakley - Peoria Chapter. She works in urgent care in Peoria, Illinois, where she is deeply involved in community health initiatives, particularly in food allergy education and advocacy. As the co-founder of the Red Sneakers for Oakley – Peoria Chapter, Lindsey is dedicated to increasing awareness about food allergies and ensuring greater access to life-saving epinephrine. She has worked extensively with the Peoria school district to educate staff on recognizing and responding to allergic reactions, as well as developing standardized food allergy guidelines to improve safety in schools. Lindsey is also collaborating with an early childhood center to make it the first allergy-friendly facility in the area. Beyond schools, Lindsey has developed a comprehensive food allergy action plan for a major hospital system in Peoria, aiming to improve care and education for newly diagnosed food allergy patients. She also played a key role in helping Peoria’s first allergy-friendly restaurant implement safe dining protocols and provided staff training as a Certified FareCheck Instructor.In May 2023, Red Sneakers Peoria donated epinephrine to this restaurant, marking a milestone in food allergy safety in the region. Lindsey’s advocacy is both professional and personal—her four-year-old daughter has anaphylactic allergies, fueling her passion for creating safer environments. She and her husband are committed to teaching their daughter about her allergies from an early age, empowering her to be her own advocate. A former Division 1 soccer player for the University of Tennessee, Lindsey also works to make sporting events more allergy-friendly.Learn more about Red Sneakers for Oakley and be sure to follow them on social media @RedSneakersForOakley