Tim and Patty Howard of Massachusetts are mourning the loss of their 22-year-old son Timothy, who died after eating a peanut-contaminated snack last month.

Timothy, a recent graduate of the University of Rhode Island with a degree in communication studies, died of an allergic reaction on May 24, only days after celebrating his educational milestone with his family.

“He came in and woke us up, claiming he couldn’t breathe. During a video interview with NBC station TurnTo10.com from the family home, his father remembered how swiftly everything transpired.

Tim’s mother, Patty, administered his EpiPen and called 911, but the allergic issue had already progressed significantly.

Timothy’s anguished mother revealed his death on Facebook, saying, “It is with heavy hearts that we share the loss of our son Timmy to a severe anaphylactic reaction to peanuts.”

She continued, “We recently celebrated his college graduation, and he had his entire life ahead of him. Our hearts are crushed, and we’ve joined a club that no one wants to be a part of. Please hold your children a bit tighter today, don’t sweat the minor stuff, and promote love around the globe.

“His college frat brothers have started an in-loving-memory fundraiser page to spread education, food allergy awareness, and advance anaphylaxis research and treatment options.”

This Give A Hand fundraiser distributes all of its revenues to the Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) organization, and it has already exceeded its $25,000 goal.

An additional note made by Timothy’s buddy, Kourosh Emami, reads on the page: “Let us raise awareness about food allergies and advance anaphylaxis research and treatment.”

“Continue sharing compassion and love with others, and keep dancing! Timmy was just starting off on what promised to be an incredible trip in life. He was determined, compassionate, and greatly loved by his family, friends, and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

“He had a lot ahead of him, and he embraced life with a certain kind of love and lightness. He was the one you could always rely on to listen—truly listen. He never judged, never interrupted, and always made you feel that what you had to say was important.

“Timmy had a knack for making everyone around him feel secure and included. He possessed a nice, calm demeanor that made people feel better by being around him.”

It added, “He didn’t whine, even when circumstances were difficult. He constantly saw the good in people and maintained optimism when others couldn’t. His positivism was modest but strong, and his heart was as pure as they come.

“He was definitely one of the good ones—gentle, considerate, and full of compassion for others. His sudden death has left a tremendous vacuum, but we are determined to remember his legacy in a way that gives meaning and change.”

At the time of writing, 628 contributors have given $27,592 (£20,327) to the campaign.