A while back I read a wonderful article that shared with the free world a few points that some of us food allergy parents would like universally known. The article was titled, “It Takes a Village to Raise a Child (with food allergies)”. The author basically addressed our nation with a few important points for a food allergic person’s “village” to understand. 27 states have epinephrine lawhighlighted several points, such as, “Take it Seriously: and “Share Toys, Not Food”. Gratefulfoodie facebook pagediscussed that food allergies are not a choice, but a very serious disease as she explains what could happen if a child comes in contact with their allergen. “Image your kiddo’s peanut butter paw prints on the jungle gym caused another child to have an anaphylactic reaction before your very eyes”, this state resonated with me! A dear friend who works within the mental health industry explained to me early on that her biggest concern after the health and welling being of my children is the long-term psychological impact on the child who causes a reaction.
image courtesy of FARE
Ammaria’s Village responded to tragedy
I keep thinking back to the tragic story of Ammaria Johnson’s school peanut allergy death and I pray for the child who gave her the candy, that she finds peace. I pray for the teachers, school staff who watched her die knowing there was epinephrine on campus but prescribed for other students. I can’t image the trauma they experienced and how they are still processing it right now. As a result of Ammaria’s tragedy, her village educated itself and within months created law to ensure no child will ever die on campus again when in need of epinephrine. Ammaria’s village and story grew and inspired a nation to update law and regulations regarding access to life saving epinephrine in schools. Currently, 27 states have epinephrine law with five pending.
photo of Ammaria Johnson courtesy of CBS6
Passing Law took a Village and a Nation
I had commented on my Gratefulfoodie facebook page that it took a village AND a nation to mandate stock epinephrine in Nevada schools. I said a nation since Dr. Ruchi Gupta, provided written testimony (her study regarding geographic prevalence really caught everyone’s eye since Nevada’s 9.8% rate sits well above the national standard of 6-8%). The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of American assisted with letters, phone calls and media support (interviews). Even the Food Allergy Research and Education organization (FARE) helped out by doing an email blast to all the previous Las Vegas Food Allergy Walk participants. The collaboration of parents on the ground in Nevada and the support of national institutions and organizations is what made our stock epinephrine dreams a reality.
image courtesy of Kids with Food Allergies-A division of AAFA
My point here is that in life, maybe it does take a village to raise children and our village needs us to help educate them! There are many wonderful resources that we can tap into and share with our village. One of my favorites is Kids with Food Allergies, who is now an official division of AAFA--one of my long time favorites! The list of vetted educations materials available is far to long to type, so if you are inclined, a visit to anaphylaxis is in order. Thanks food allergies for a great article and pointing out the need for our villages to embrace food allergies and Salvadore Vuono via Freedigitalphotos.net.
image courtesy of Allergy and Asthma Network Mothers of Asthmatics
I personally believe it takes a village AND a nation to raise children with life threatening food allergies and Salvadore Vuono via Freedigitalphotos.net. How do you educate or invite your village to better understand managing food allergies?
p.s. the featured hand image is courtesy of Salvadore Vuono via Freedigitalphotos.net
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!..
I fully agree- not only a good support system but educating as well! This could be even just the small things that might matter to an allergic person or save them from an exposure. It all matters- nothing is too small.
Nutrimom, for me, I’m always touched, as if it has never happened before, when someone calls me from the grocery store and asks what brand of pretzels to buy for me son. Maybe small but large in keeping him safe.
Thanks for sharing a really important point!
This is so true! It starts a person at a time…one reaches one or two, they reach one or two…and on it goes and before you know it – the world is changed! One person makes a difference, whether they think so or not. We all have a ripple effect…I want mine to be a positive, life-changing one! 🙂
So Beautifully put Julie!
One person does make a difference and I think we all forget that the ripple effect is there. I truly appreciate how you are so positive and have created your own ripple effect in our village.
Some days I just feel so incredibly grateful for our village and I guess today is one of those days!
I agree that it takes a village and I am so grateful for those in our “village” who help support us. As you said, I feel each and every kindness with fresh gratitude, as I always wonder if I will wear them out, so when they continue to show us such love and support, I am so thankful for their continued efforts.
Hi Selena, I know what you mean. But here we are 13 years later and my son’s Godmother still maintains a separate colored cutting board for my son in her kitchen and friends still call constantly.