This young man, I know, was placed on this planet to do good things. Today, Gonzaga University student, Zac Chelini’s good work lays in his raw honesty about his life with food allergies. His first person experience, encompassing over a decade of misconceptions, brutal challenges that leave us cringing and inspired as he shares examples of what life is truly like with a life threatening food allergy. I ask everyone to pause and take a few minutes to read this story and consider sharing it with others as a vital learning tool. He does not seek sympathy and has embraced life with such breath-taking gusto he simply amazes me. His triumph over this disease deserves a HUGE standing ovation-I’m standing and applauding at my desk Zac, and yes, I look silly.
Article by Zac: Our Stories: Discovering the Depth of Life
Bravo Zac for your leadership to honestly share your story so others can learn. You are truly a strong confident young man who is making a difference (I heard the rave reviews from the FAACT teen conference). It’s been a joy watching you grow up and I can’t wait to see what life brings you after college. Or is it what you bring to life?
One of the hardest things I find about managing both life threatening food allergies and asthma is talking to others. I hate to be the one that might be perceived as demanding, pushing or for asking too much. What I now know, fourteen years later, is that honest, clear information presented with kindness works!..
Wow, wow, wow! Cannot wait to share this with my FA daughter and everyone!
Zac, really did a great job. I can’t express how appreciative I am of his words. His story really outlines the struggles so that we can all realize the grave need for education and awareness. Love this kid!
Thanks for sharing Zac’s story, Caroline. It touched my heart personally because my son is 22 years old and in college dealing with the same issues, only a few more allergens (peanuts, tree nuts, fish, shellfish, dairy, honey, bananas and oranges) he is also GF! Zac reminds me of my son. Taking it all in stride and not letting food allergies define him.