I admit to being nervous about listening to the attached broadcast on the John McGinness KFBK radio show: Giorgi Family Radio Interview. We all cried over the death of Natalie Giorgi, so the thought of hearing her parents speak left me worried about the rush of emotion that was going to come flooding in. It was inspiring! I am in awe of the strength and dedication of this family to all child with food allergies. Their goal was to educate the general public-even thought their pain is so raw right now. Below is also a link an additional recent TV interview. The TV interview is incredibly powerful. John McGinness did an outstanding job of using their story to educate. He really challenged listeners to pay attention and learn how dangerous life threatening food allergies are! His message: this is very real. The entire interview left me inspired! Inspired to work harder and make a difference. I am just in awe of Natalie’s family.
Powerful Education born from Tragedy
I did tear up, but I just hope everyone listens to the Giorgi Family Radio Interview broadcast and shares it with others. Natalie’s mother describes what happened that fatal evening. This part was tough to hear. The Giorgi family does not want this tragedy to ever happen again to any family. They advocated intelligently, clearly and very articulate. They discussed risk reduction, food allergy action plans and seeing a physician. Natalie’s twin sister also has food allergies along with another sister. They explained how much support they have received nationally and internationally. They discussed in-depth how people feel everyone thinks food allergy parents are over protective. People do not believe food allergies were not serious. The family is incredibly committed to saving the lives of all children with food allergies. They are so brave to be on the air speaking advocating only four weeks after Natalie’s passing.
They were also interviewed on television and here is the story: Mom of Peanut Allergy Victim: Her Last Words Were I’m Sorry. Again, very powerful, heart breaking and amazing. Grab a tissue box before watching.
Lessons Learned–going forward to make a difference
Allergic Living recently published a very powerful and impactful article recently that many in our food allergy community are talking about. Lessons From a Teen Food Allergy Tragedy is going to save lives. The article is a must read! I don’t want to share too much since I believe everyone needs to read it.
In the spirit of saving lives through tragedy, Natalie’s family created the Natalie Giorgi Sunshine Foundation to raise awareness so that no other parent ever is in this position. What an amazing family. I am humbled by their strength. I’m sure if I was in their position, you would find me in a rubber room licking the walls. There is going to be a FARE Food Allergy walk held this September 15, 2013 in Sacramento that the Giorgi family plans on attending.
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 was in tears watching the video + reading your blog —WOW…my own son who is 2 1/2 yrs old has multiple food allergies-tears from my heart!!!
I LOVE the bracelet that is shown-Make a Difference. Would you know where i would be able to purchase one? I have a lot of stuff from FARE already…I would be proud to wear a bracelet like that one!!
I love that bracelet too! It’s an old one from Cynthia H Designs. I still can’t get over how people could lash out at Georgina! If I find that bracelet, I’ll let you know. My band is wearing down, so I need to find a new band.
Thank you so much for the Information—please let me know if you can find it anywhere–I would LOVE to wear one…A proud mom wearing a loving message !!