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The sound of the ice cream truck reverberated through our community, and instantly all of the kids began screaming and shouting in pure excitement. I don’t blame them. Still, as a grown adult, when I hear that music, I associate it with delicious summer treats, neighborhood camaraderie, smiles and laughter. As a kid, there was nothing more exciting in the summer than to hear an ice cream truck in the vicinity, sprint inside to plead for money, and then  track it down. Since having a child diagnosed with food allergies, so many things have changed. Now, I experience anxiety and fear in situations that onlyRead More →

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I am the parent of a 4 1/2 year old with MULTIPLE life-threatening food allergies. I have lived the nightmare that no parent should ever experience—anaphylaxis—three times. When he was 21 months old a nice elderly woman in the daycare center at my gym was snacking on peanut butter crackers and offered him a bite. Here she thought she was being considerate and thoughtful by sharing her food. But, in reality she almost killed him. Over a matter of four hours, he had vomited, developed hives all over his body, and was gasping for air to get just a breath.  I live in Baltimore, butRead More →

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Most of us approach daily life thinking we are safe, events are predictable, and that others are trustworthy. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and tragedy strikes unexpectedly. Our beliefs are shattered, we lose hope, and we see life as filled with danger, uncertainty, and suffering. But, it is in these moments, in the face of adversity, that we recognize not to take things for granted. Fifteen years ago, my life flashed in front of my eyes. My initial plan to lose a few pounds spiraled out of control resulting in the development of an eating disorder. After starving myself and exercising compulsively, IRead More →

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He was twenty-one months old when the most terrifying and traumatic incident happened. A sweet, innocent, and trusting baby boy, who had already overcome significant health obstacles, was offered a peanut butter cracker. The thoughtful old woman was just sharing her snack, and how would he know better than to take a bite? As his parent, I clearly didn’t do enough to protect him and keep him safe. At that young age, the responsibility to make every caregiver aware of his severe food allergies fell completely on me. My failure to do so wasn’t trivial—it almost cost him his life. We knew he had testedRead More →

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“Mommy. Mommy,” a sweet, innocent sounding voice called from his room. Austin’s early morning shout let me know he was awake, and ready to start the day.” I braced myself, and took a deep breath knowing it was the last respite until bedtime—a long twelve hours later. The anticipation of a new day gave me a feeling of unease. The stress involved in parenting a child with severe food allergies is intense. “Alright, let’s go down to eat breakfast, guys,” I said after getting dressed and teeth were brushed. My sons sat in their designated seats, and waited for me to pour cereal in their bowls I hadRead More →

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Let me share a quick conversation I had with my neighbor when I first moved into our new neighborhood 5 years ago… A couple of weeks before Halloween of 2012: My neighbor (all excited): What kind of candy are you going to pass out? Me: MY favorite chocolates. That way, whatever is leftover is mine! My neighbor: Are you going to give out Reese’s peanut butter cups? Me: Uhhhh, obviously! What is Halloween without Reese’s—my all-time favorite!!! My neighbor: Oh, I was just wondering. I decided not to this year because our other neighbor has a peanut allergy. Me: Well, then she can just take aRead More →

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I am trembling, shaking, and my heart is racing. It seems anything triggers hysteria, as I have been crying for two straight days now. “Is he breathing, Mom? Check to see if he’s breathing. Please,” I kept repeating frantically as I was driving home from the store. He had just vomited three times in his car seat and complained of a stomachache. After going through all the reasons what could possibly be wrong, we finally identified the cause. For all who know me, I am a candy addict. I have at least two bags of various gummies with me at all times. I am very carefulRead More →

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I started counting down to my next birthday… the day after that birthday. It was the most exciting day to look forward to with our many traditions. One of my favorites was choosing ANY restaurant I wanted to have dinner. My birthday always seemed to last longer than just one day. Between celebrating with my parents and brothers, then being taken out by my grandma, and, telling our server each night that week we were celebrating my birthday, it was the BEST time of year. “Oh, here they come…” was the famous line my parents always said when they spotted the waitstaff coming to deliverRead More →

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It’s one thing having to deal with school functions, sporting events, and birthdays. But, as each holiday we observe nears, my anxiety level skyrockets. Growing up as a kid, nobody had food allergies. At least that’s how it seemed. The popular lunch sandwich sent to school was peanut butter and jelly, and birthday cakes were birthday cakes. None of this gluten free or nut free stuff. My only worry when traveling on an airplane was getting to our destination on-time and smoothly. Now, it’s whether or not my child will die from peanut exposure or ingestion.  We went to Tigers games, Pistons games, and RedRead More →

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Five years ago, we moved in our wonderful neighborhood comprised of young families, and many little kids. Halloween was quickly approaching, and a friend of mine who lives down the street asked, “Are you handing out candy with peanuts?” I laughed. Literally, I laughed. Halloween without peanuts? What is Halloween without Reese’s peanut butter cups or Snickers bars? I wasn’t even quite sure of why she was asking me until she proceeded to tell me there was a little girl in the neighborhood with a peanut allergy. Admittedly, I thought to myself: I am not going to hangout my favorite candy bar to hundreds ofRead More →