Let’s just start with my disclaimer and bias alert: Lianne Mandelbaum, author of the No Nut Traveler, is my dear friend and I believe in her from the tips of toes all way to the top of my head. As most effective advocates do, Lianne experienced discrimination and unacceptable behavior that inspired her work that has grown into a movement. What makes her unique is that Lianne is nationally recognized, writes for the Huffington Post, which is incredible, but with this leadership she manages hate mail, death threats (people wishing ugly things upon her family) and gets harassed from a wide assortment of people. Lianne travels on a difficult road.
FABlogcon. One highlight of the Food Allergy Bloggers Conference was not only enjoying Lianne’s talk, Accommodating Allergies in Real Life, but enjoying lively group discussions with others regarding airlines, food allergies and keeping this movement alive. A movement of this magnitude needs all hands on deck.FABlogcon is always more than a conference, it is a place for ideas and conversations to flourish. For inspiration to be found and community to grow.
Gratitude. This Thanksgiving, I am grateful for my friend, who does not need to fight this fight, but chooses to do so. I’m thankful that she has grown thick skin, soldiers forward and isn’t afraid to stand up and reach out beyond her comfort zone. Maybe the definition of an advocate should be: one who lives outside of their comfort and fights the good fight. If you are curious about this movement, then check out the No Nut Traveler.
Lianne recently share this wonderful piece on Facebook and then on food activist, Robyn O’Brien’s website, grab a cup of tea and enjoy this lovely and important about our food allergy community.
“Food Allergy Family: LET US BE THE SCAFFOLDING FOR EACH OTHER”
Happy Thanksgiving my scaffolding friends!
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!..
First time I got to meet her at the Food Allergy Bloggers Conference and she rocks! She is just a genuinely sweet, caring person 🙂