OSHKOSH, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – A Mishicot family whose teenage son died of an allergic reaction to a bee sting continues to use the tragedy as an opportunity.

Nursing students and faculty members from UW-Oshkosh met Monday for adrenaline training under the motto “Do It for Dillon.”

Angel and George Mueller founded the Dillon Mueller Memorial Fund in 2015, a year after their son’s tragic death. Since then, more than 5,000 people have completed the Muellers’ free certification program, which trains and empowers individuals to carry epinephrine and administer it to anyone who needs it.

The Muellers’ course on using the EpiPen has saved 15 lives so far.

“This is the best feeling there is. I mean, it sucks why we’re doing it because Dillon died, but helping someone else is a great thing. Hopefully we can do more,” George said.

“The training is easy. It’s free. Basically, you have to know the signs of what’s going on with someone because you can become allergic to anything at any time. It could be bee stings, seafood, medications – anything can trigger anaphylactic shock,” George explained.

In 2014, 18-year-old Dillon was helping a friend with gardening when he was stung by a bee. Minutes after asking his friend to call 911, Dillon lost consciousness.

What the Muellers didn’t know was that Dillon had an undiagnosed allergy to bee venom and the volunteer rescue workers had no adrenaline. Dillon died after a week of cardiopulmonary support.

“We didn’t know he was allergic, so we had no idea we needed EpiPens. After that, we just thought there’s no point. They’re easy to use and easy to get. With a little practice, you can carry one with you and use it on anyone,” George said.

After his death, Dillon’s parents decided to do everything in their power to prevent what had happened to their son from happening to other families.

The Muellers’ mission is to raise awareness that anaphylaxis – a sudden and potentially fatal allergic reaction – can occur anytime, anywhere, and that early treatment with epinephrine can be life-saving.

This led to the creation of Dillon’s Law, which allows trained individuals to carry and administer epinephrine auto-injectors. Currently, Dillon’s Law is in effect in Wisconsin, Michigan, and Indiana, but the Muellers hope to expand it nationwide.

The UW-Oshkosh College of Nursing is joining thousands of Wisconsin residents and groups being trained to use EpiPens — and to keep the medication on hand when needed. Thirty-two students participated in the first of two trainings offered at the university earlier this month.