Yesterday, my pal Lianne Mandelbaum, founder of the No Nut Traveler, appeared on NPR’s Here and Now show to discuss the current wave of the “Push to Make Flying Safer for People with Peanut Allergies”. Lianne discussed the challenges of flying. The level of fairly polite, educated confusion and ignorance I read in the comments (see my favorites below) was concerning. I’ve witnessed the ugly attacks on Lianne but these attacks seemed a bit Early Victorian–you know the kind, “excuse me Mr. Smith, but I must ask you to duel now so that I may kill you….” Clearly, the need for public education remains critical.
Listen to: “Push to Make Flying Safer for People with Peanut Allergies”.
Lianne, I thank you for your tough skin and passion to continue to fight the good fight. You and interviewer, Robin Young didn’t demand anything, spoke of risk reduction and Robin even stated that she is not bringing nuts aboard flights anymore, its just not worth the risk. Yet, what people “heard” was a mom making demands. Really?
Some were down right frightening, given this person is first responder…
“Suggesting that the flight crew is qualified to administer epinephrine is reckless. As a person with first responder certifications, I know first hand that even with medical training, you are not able to personally administer any drugs to a person, you can only assist that person. Epi is a powerful drug that can have grave side effects.” – Hum, maybe he doesn’t know that our children carry and administer epinephrine and delay in administration is the grave side effect (death).
Some know how to “tamp down” allergies…
“I have missed work and suffered for years from allergies, but after doing a lot of research it is clear that serious allergic reactions are overstated and very treatable (In a breakthrough study, researchers show that it’s not only possible to tamp down allergic reactions to peanuts, but by eating small amounts of them infants can avoid getting allergic in the first place”. – Sad mis-understanding of the LEAP study.
Some don’t understand the prevalence or believe the stats…
“Her son’s ‘disability’ is not a widespread enough problem (despite how many parents seem to think it is) that all the people on all of the planes should micromanage their own diets”. – Oh dear, someone said this to me ten years ago and now look at stats and challenges school experience!
Some believe Lianne is being demanding when there is a proposed cure…
“This lady wants all of society to conform to her sons affliction that science today is proposing can be cured by being gradually exposed to peanuts”. Maybe NPR needs to do a what is LEAP study interview?
Some seem to only find happiness in “nutty” places…
“I understand she wants every best for her child but where does it stop ? no nuts in restaurants – no nut sundays at Disney World – what’s next”. Yup, the magic of Disney has officially dissolved.
Some attempted to state facts to sound intelligent…
“…recommendations for introducing possible allergens to babies is changing. This is important. Because by delaying certain these foods, parents can actually cause allergies. In Jan. 2013,”[T]he American Academy of Asthma, Allergy and Immunology (AAAAI) released a new set of recommendations on infant feeding practices to help prevent food allergy. The recommendations are based on the available observational research to date, and are the first guidelines to state that delaying introduction of foods like wheat, cow’s milk dairy, eggs, fish and nuts may actually result in an increased risk of food allergy or eczema.”
(Lifted from http://health.usnews.com/healt… – And how was this data relevant to this interview?
Some believe they are managing their allergens accurately…
“I have been allergic to shellfish and have gone into anaphylactic shock mostly in restaurants. Which is why I always travel or have on my person or my car, allergy meds and an Epi Pen. Take personal responsibility and be prepared”. – Epinephrine auto-injectors should never be stored in cars due the temperature fluctuation. Being prepared mean being educated.
I asked Lianne about why does she take on these interviews and this type of volunteer work? She explained it well, “it is important initiate dialogue to find solutions to mitigate the risk so that all food allergic passengers can fly safely. To do that we need to educate the greater public and airline staff specifically on the seriousness of food allergies (a legitimate medical condition)”.
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!..
Thanks for this synopsis and attempting to take on the ignorant comments. I applaud Lianne for her tireless efforts to bring about not only awareness but real change. I think anyone with an open heart and mind will hear Lianne’s message. Thank you Caroline, Lianne and NPR.
Thanks Gina, we really can’t fully address ignorant comments since, well, they are ignorant. But, we can learn where the holes in knowledge are from these comments. I’m grateful that Lianne’s feathers don’t get ruffled and she moves forward. She is a great advocate–just like you Gina!
I actually reached out to Lianne yesterday after I heard it on NPR to let her know that I thought she did a great job. Some of the questions I felt were slanted and she handled them very well. The negative comments (negative being an understatement) really reflect a defensive nature that many take when they feel their “food civil rights’ are being challenged. (Yes, I have had more than one person refer to it that way)
I think back to Joel Stein and his original article…then his follow up after his own son was diagnosed. I have had many come back to me years later to apologize, once they have a member of their family develop a food allergy or after they have witness anaphylaxis due to food. There are some who will never get it, but I would prefer they keep those cruel comments to themselves. I believe many comments were from those who troll the internet looking to stir up controversy and emotions.
I applaud Lianne and NPR for covering the story. I chose not to write a comment in the long list of comments. I would prefer to write to NPR directly. I believe that they might actually read it that way.
Caroline – thank you as well for posting this today! We are all in this together…
Jennie,
Thanks for your well put comment! We really are in this together and our power as a group is enormous. I like your idea to comment directly to NPR. I want to ask for them to do a follow up story, clearing up the LEAP study confusion. I still get a bit frazzled sometimes by reporters and I was impressed with Lianne’s grace and control of her words. Truth about the ones who will never get it. They really won’t and they deter from our good work. Best to walk away. Happy Labor Day Jennie!
After having a reaction on a flight recently with delta who completely ignored my nut allergy and continued to serve nuts, which is against what it states in their policies and procedures, I would fully back you on this fight – don’t give up. So many of us suffer while others ignorantly eat peanuts around us, my allergy is severe enough that the smell of peanuts is enough to set off an allergy which includes my throat swelling to the point I need to be hospitalised and it’s severely life-threatening.
So don’t give up the fight!! It’s not hard for other passengers to give up nuts for a few hours, they can control that, we can’t control our allergies! Imagine having to tell my parents “oh I’m ever so sorry your daughters dead, I just really needed to eat some peanuts!” Can anyone be that desperate to eat them, they’re willing to risk someone’s life, or the need to make an emergency landing for medical attention and interupt everyone’s holiday?! It’s not necessary at all! Good for you for fighting this!!
Kelly, Thanks for sharing your experience and for cheering on Lianne! She needs our army of supporters wishing her well to fight the good fight. I am sorry for your experience and level of allergy too. That is really hard! I wish more people understood the reality of it all.
Lianne is doing such a wonderful thing for people with peanut allergies. It’s certainly not easy to put yourself out there, especially when there’s a lot of adversaries waiting to attack. Thank you!
Desiree, So true. It is really not easy to do what she is doing. People can be very mean when they are hiding behind the internet. I’m grateful for her work and that we are now having these national conversations, even if they are uncomfortable.
Caroline,
Thanks for your outstanding post & comments. I look forward to meeting Lianne personally someday; in the meantime I am infinitely grateful for her educating others with grace and poise. Being “old school headstrong” I’d need to work on my poise! ????. Thanks to both of you, and I stand with all of you..together we can make a difference!!