So true: food allergy allies

“Sally, the patron saint of food allergic children,” what I used to call my pal as she would blush!  I would threaten to have a statue made of her and placed on my front lawn.  Bad humor aside, Sally truly was a food allergy allie.  She tried to learn as much as possible about my children’s food allergies and if there nuts at a school event, those nuts would oddly disappear when she was around.  One time, my child’s school, stumbled in managing food allergies and were making some not-so-great choices and Sally, the patron saint of food allergies, marched right into the director’s office and “sternly” voiced her concerns.  We all need our own allies, someone who plays a small or large role in supporting a life well lived with food allergies or asthma.  Our allies create roots that reach deep into our souls that we are forever grateful for and appreciate each and every day.  Our allies can be perfect strangers such a restaurant owner that serves safe foods, or a City park that doesn’t allow nuts on the baseball field to a close friend who truly understands.
 

 
Earlier this week, the Wall Street Journal published a piece, “Finding Food Allergy Allies”.  As I read the article I thought, “this article should have been entitled I Takes A Village”!  The article gives insight into how the world has changed and how we have been taking larger strides towards children and adults with food allergies.  I don’t want to spoil the article so you can enjoy the read, but I found value in savoring how far we have come since my son was diagnosed 11 years ago and how schools, restaurants and lawmakers are addressing this invisible disease and are committing to doing the right thing.

The article reminded me of Sally, one of my first allies!  Now, I consider my school, my children’s teachers, coaches, our friends, our favorite restauranteurs and community as allies.   Eleven years ago I would only have considered my husband, some family members and my son’s first preschool teacher our allies. Now, I am grateful for my village.  We are still on the path to educating others, finding a cure and staying safe, but today, I am feeling the love!

Who are your food allergy and/or asthma allies?  Family, teachers, restaurants?

 
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