The Allergic Voice

There's a lot of information out there for allergy parents. They're all exchanging tips on how to protect their children, how to create a safe environment, and how to guide their child through the world with this often disregarded disease. What I don't see, is the allergic point of view. That's where I come in.

I've been an allergy sufferer my entire life. The first reaction I can remember was in a car with a Ritz Cracker. The first my mom remembers was a cookie that almost killed me at age three. She tells me I turned blue, and then vomited. I don't remember it, but I am thankful that my body was able to reject the cookie. I've been laughed at, had peanuts thrown at me, chased by Mr. Peanut on the New Jersey Boardwalk, and cross-contaminated. Learning to navigate in a nutty world has been a challenge, but I've learned enough about myself and other people to do it successfully.

I can tell when a server doesn't understand my allergies, or doesn't trust the kitchen to provide me with safe food. I've learned how to navigate dinner parties and holidays with relative ease. Allergies are terrifying to people who have no experience with them. Nobody wants to be responsible for killing you in their kitchen. The most important thing you can do is speak up. By explaining your dietary restrictions and offering solutions (ex: I'd be happy to supply dessert; what does the Chef recommend as a safe dinner option?) you can educate people about allergies, and enjoy your meals with a little less stress.

I'll continue to write about allergic living, offer allergy-friendly restaurant reviews, advice for traveling with food allergies, and answering allergy-related questions! My door is open!