Allergy-Free Trip Follow Up

I just returned from my 4 day Wind Ensemble trip on Sunday, and everything went very smoothly! There were no issues with the food at all! A bonus was that my roommates and I ended up with the largest room out of everyone that came with a mini fridge AND a microwave! I was able to easily store and cook my food as necessary!

A short story that I'd like to share from this trip:
While on the bus ride down, I decided to show my friends I was sitting near where my Epipen was and how to use it if it became necessary. Even though I already had a trained chaperone and my sisters with me, I thought it would be good to have them as backup. As it turned out, most of them already knew how to use it! Not only that, but they were fighting over who would take the responsibility of injecting me. They showed me that they weren't afraid to step up and help if it became an emergency situation (which fortunately it didn't!) I have good friends and it was a fun trip!

If anyone has questions on any specific details of my trip, just comment and I'll tell you!
Thanks for reading!

-Alli

Believe

Sometimes when I'm alone, and just think, I imagine my future. What I've noticed is that those times when I'm imagining my future, I'm not just picturing my home, husband, kids and friends, but I see myself cooking for my family. But this dream is tainted with my food allergies. I don't know if in 25 years I'm going to be cooking my whole family allergy-friendly food, or if I will be able to enjoy the food my children and husband want to. I don't know if there is going to be a cure for food allergies, or if I will have to live with them for life.

What I do know is this: Some day, some how, a cure for food allergies will be created. I believe in the doctors, I believe in the researchers, I believe in FARE. Most importantly, I believe in myself, that even if the cure does not come during my life time, I will be able to live a happy and fulfilling life, despite my allergies. I hope you can too.

Best Wishes,

-Alli

Hoping for an Allergy-Free Trip!

In just 5 days, my High School Wind Ensemble is going on a four day field trip! I'm SUPER excited, but I'm kind of nervous how everything is going to work out with my allergies. I'm not nervous about having a reaction, but more so how I will get my own food that I bring available and ready when I need it. Fortunately, both of my sisters are going on the trip as well, so if anything does go wrong, they know how to administer my Epipen, and I plan on training some of my friends as well. Hopefully, this won't be necessary! I'll make sure to let you know how everything goes after the trip!

Wish me luck!

-Alli

The Love of A Mother

Dedicated to my Mother, who has made me who I am. She has helped me live with my food allergies, and shown me how to be the best person I can. For that, I am so grateful.

The Love of A Mother

Each day I woke up

Scared of what would come

My mom helped me stand

By giving her love

She dries my eyes

She wipes my tears

She's held my hand

Over all the years

With a quick little hug

Or a good long laugh

She's there to brighten my day

Making each one last.

She watches out for me

She makes me feel safe

Whether I am by myself

Or within her embrace.

Her smile lights up a room

Her laugh so contagious

Without her my life would be dull

Because of her, I'm destined for greatness.

You have stuck with me

(You didn't really have a choice)

You've taken care of me

You've given me a voice

I love you Mom

I hope you know

You've brightened my life

You've helped me grow

To the Mother of me

To the sister of some

To the friend of many

And the wife of one

You deserve the best

You keep on giving

Without you, Mother

Life would not be worth living. 

Stop Underestimating Yourself

Just because you have food allergies does not mean you are any less important or inadequate in any way. It just means you have something that is a part of you and affects your life. It is YOUR choice whether you let it affect you positively or negatively.

I made food allergies positive by creating this blog. How have you made your allergy-situation positive?

NBC Nightly News: The Worlds View on Food Allergies

Visit NBCNews.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

We always look at our food allergies from a personal view, as we are people that have them or have been affected. But sometimes it is good to look from the outside and see what other people see. Take a look at this video, and maybe we'll learn something!

Fear is a Choice

An allergy is not something to underestimate. It affects the way you live, act, and enjoy life on a day to day basis. It causes you to start double-checking everything you are going to do to see if it is going to involve food, and your allergens. However, by over checking, you are setting yourself up to live a life of fear. If you are thinking about your allergies every hour and minute, then you have to understand that it doesn't have to be that way. There is a difference between living with an allergy and fearing what you have to live with. It is important to stay on the right side of this fine line. Fun and excitement can still be a part of your every day life while living with a food allergy! Don't become over-protective of yourself or your child every time you want to go out.

Who would always want to be thinking about when their next reaction is going to be? Not me! I want to know how to help myself if one occurs, but I don't want to be scared 24/7 about what's coming next! If I stay safe right now, I am protecting myself for the future. But right now, I am also having fun and enjoying myself, even with food allergies. I hope you can too!
Stay safe, and have fun!

Best of Luck!

-Alli