I've reached over 11,000 page views on my blog and 200 likes on my Facebook page...! I can't believe it! Thank you everyone for your support and kind words about all that I've been doing!
Please feel free to email me at any time at allergyalli@gmail.com or comment on my posts here and on my Facebook page (facebook.com/allergyalli). If you ever have questions, concerns, or just need someone to talk to, I'm happy to help!
I hope everyone is happy and safe with the start of school these past few weeks!
-Alli
Sunday, September 14, 2014
Saturday, September 13, 2014
Allergic Living Magazine: Trending Teens
In the Fall Issue of Allergic Living Magazine, Alisa Fleming wrote an article called "Trending Teens" featuring teenage food allergy bloggers. I was recommended through the FARE Teen Advisory Group that I'm in to be a part of this article! Check out my section on page 65! (Click on the image to enlarge it)
Let me know what you think!
-Alli
Saturday, September 6, 2014
A Feeling of Gratefulness at the End of Summer
Summer has come to a close, and for me, it was as busy as ever! From teaching swim lessons to acting in a musical and starting preseason cheer practice, my activities were nonstop! Although it was filled with laughter and fun, I once again found myself in the reigns of an allergic reaction.
It was the evening of August 14th. We were at a diner that had always been safe in the past. It could have been safe that day too if I hadn't been so foolish. I was in such a good mood, laughing and joking with my sister and mom that when I ordered I wasn't as clear with the waiter as I should have been. I was blinded by my happiness and it cost my health.
The side of bacon that I ordered was not cooked separately like I had asked, and my reaction started almost immediately with a small bump on my lip. It then went to my stomach and I knew there was no way to avoid getting sick. It finally ended 2 and a half hours later when I threw up.
Those 2 and a half hours reminded me just how few of the people in my life understand what I'm going through.
They've never reached that moment when you know that something is wrong.
They've never had to admit to someone that you made a horrible mistake and feel sick.
They've never had the fear of everything about to happen as your body goes weak.
They've never felt the aching pain in my stomach that makes me beg for it to end.
They've never felt the tears well up in my eyes as I sit in front of the toilet and wait.
They've never dreaded that moment when you know that you're going to be sick.
They've never prayed for that moment to finally come, knowing that it would at last be over.
They've never felt the exhaustion that follows it all.
But they've also never known what its like to see the concern in the eyes of those around you. They've never felt the hug from someone that may never really understand what you're going through, but is determined to stay by your side anyway.
They have never felt love quite like I have.
Everyday I'm grateful for the family and friends that I've been blessed with, but it's those days where it all goes wrong that I'm truly reminded of how lucky I am.
To all of you that are a part of my life, I don't thank you enough. I hope you know that I appreciate you in everything you do for me.
-Alli
It was the evening of August 14th. We were at a diner that had always been safe in the past. It could have been safe that day too if I hadn't been so foolish. I was in such a good mood, laughing and joking with my sister and mom that when I ordered I wasn't as clear with the waiter as I should have been. I was blinded by my happiness and it cost my health.
The side of bacon that I ordered was not cooked separately like I had asked, and my reaction started almost immediately with a small bump on my lip. It then went to my stomach and I knew there was no way to avoid getting sick. It finally ended 2 and a half hours later when I threw up.
Those 2 and a half hours reminded me just how few of the people in my life understand what I'm going through.
They've never reached that moment when you know that something is wrong.
They've never had to admit to someone that you made a horrible mistake and feel sick.
They've never had the fear of everything about to happen as your body goes weak.
They've never felt the aching pain in my stomach that makes me beg for it to end.
They've never felt the tears well up in my eyes as I sit in front of the toilet and wait.
They've never dreaded that moment when you know that you're going to be sick.
They've never prayed for that moment to finally come, knowing that it would at last be over.
They've never felt the exhaustion that follows it all.
But they've also never known what its like to see the concern in the eyes of those around you. They've never felt the hug from someone that may never really understand what you're going through, but is determined to stay by your side anyway.
They have never felt love quite like I have.
Everyday I'm grateful for the family and friends that I've been blessed with, but it's those days where it all goes wrong that I'm truly reminded of how lucky I am.
To all of you that are a part of my life, I don't thank you enough. I hope you know that I appreciate you in everything you do for me.
-Alli
Sunday, June 22, 2014
The Revolutionary "Snack Committee"
The time has come for another week of Vacation Bible School, and I can't wait to be a counselor again! Except, this year, I'm not just a counselor. I've been chosen to be a part of the "Snack Committee." One major aspect of the snacks during VBS is that they have to go along with the overarching theme of the day, so the snack items are listed as a part of the program. This could be something like "Masterpiece Munchies," which is decorating sugar cookies with frosting, sprinkles, etc, (showing that even though you're different, Jesus loves you). Along with the 4 other adults in the snack committee, our job was to find allergy-friendly substitutes for some of the ingredients for each day. But the thing I like the best about it is that EVERYONE is having the allergy-friendly version, so no one feels left out at all. I remember so many times when growing up where I'd go to parties and programs that might have had allergy friendly options, but everyone else was still eating something else. Even though I accepted this as a part of my life, I couldn't help but wish I could be like everyone else sometimes.
This revolutionary idea of everyone eating something that is safe makes me that much more excited to be a part of it! I can't wait to tell the children with food allergies that the snacks are safe for them and see the looks on their faces, for those expressions are the reason why I joined this committee. Not for myself and so that I can have a safe snack, but to see the pure excitement and relief on their faces as they realize they can have a safe snack.
I can't wait for it to begin tomorrow, and I hope the kids are as excited as I am!
-Alli
I can't wait for it to begin tomorrow, and I hope the kids are as excited as I am!
-Alli
Saturday, June 7, 2014
A Slice of Cake
The other day in my math class, two Junior girls walked in and gave my teacher a slice of cake. My teacher thanked them, and once they left, he immediately put it in his closet. He explained himself by saying that he hates eating in front of other people that aren't eating. Multiple people told them that they didn't care, and as the class broke out in chatter about it, I said, to no one in particular, "Eh I'm used to it." One girl turned around to me with a dropped jaw and said to me "Aw Allison, that's so sad...!"
But that statement was not meant to be sad or make it seem like I wanted pity. It was a simple side comment that was nothing but a fact. I think that's something that not a lot of people understand. Sure, having food allergies can be emotional, but for me, its just become a way of life. It has never been any other way for me, and honestly, I don't want it any other way right now. I've learned so much about myself because of the situations and experiences I've had with my food allergies; if I was ever given the opportunity to restart my life without them, I would never take it. I eventually want to grow out of my food allergies, the sooner the better, but who wouldn't? However, I wouldn't ask for them to have never existed.
I know I've written this before, but when I was younger and didn't yet understand that food allergies have shaped my life, I frequently asked my mom, "why me?" She always reassured me with a simple statement: that there's a special plan for me and that someday it would make sense. As I've gotten older and matured, it all does make sense now. I find myself excited to inspire others to be who they are despite their food allergies, because no matter what labels we have to read or foods we have to avoid, we are normal, every-day people, just like everyone else. I recently reached over 10,000 page views on my blog, and it suddenly became apparent to me: this is my special plan. This blog and all of my readers, despite their small numbers, are part of why my I'm here. Because even though I may not have hundreds of readers everyday, if I help one person and inspire one life, then this is all worth it.
Thank you guys for helping me find my purpose.
-Alli
But that statement was not meant to be sad or make it seem like I wanted pity. It was a simple side comment that was nothing but a fact. I think that's something that not a lot of people understand. Sure, having food allergies can be emotional, but for me, its just become a way of life. It has never been any other way for me, and honestly, I don't want it any other way right now. I've learned so much about myself because of the situations and experiences I've had with my food allergies; if I was ever given the opportunity to restart my life without them, I would never take it. I eventually want to grow out of my food allergies, the sooner the better, but who wouldn't? However, I wouldn't ask for them to have never existed.
I know I've written this before, but when I was younger and didn't yet understand that food allergies have shaped my life, I frequently asked my mom, "why me?" She always reassured me with a simple statement: that there's a special plan for me and that someday it would make sense. As I've gotten older and matured, it all does make sense now. I find myself excited to inspire others to be who they are despite their food allergies, because no matter what labels we have to read or foods we have to avoid, we are normal, every-day people, just like everyone else. I recently reached over 10,000 page views on my blog, and it suddenly became apparent to me: this is my special plan. This blog and all of my readers, despite their small numbers, are part of why my I'm here. Because even though I may not have hundreds of readers everyday, if I help one person and inspire one life, then this is all worth it.
Thank you guys for helping me find my purpose.
-Alli
Friday, May 9, 2014
Food Allergy Action Month
-Alli
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
A Sweet Friend's Sweet 16
Recently, I attended my best friend's Sweet 16, and it was so much fun! But, as per usual, I had to bring my own food, though that was in no way a problem. (Again, as per usual- I've gotten so used to it that it doesn't even phase me anymore!) Anyway, the reason I'm sharing this with all of you is because of what my friend told me before the party.
Whenever I go to parties, I make a point of asking the host what she is going to be serving. This way, whatever food I bring can be similar to what everyone else is eating. As soon as I asked my friend, she looked up at me and said "Oh yeah! Just so you know, I talked to the manager and told them my friend has severe food allergies and that she has to bring her own food. They told me it wouldn't be a problem and that they can heat anything up. So bring whatever you want!" She said this in such an off-handed manner, but I gave her the biggest smile. Yes, she is one of my best friends, but I have never expected anyone to do something like that -to look out for me- unless I specifically ask them to. When I told her that, she looked at me and said "Of course I would ask! You're my friend!" in a tone that said she's surprised I would expect anything less.
Very often, I find it hard to trust anyone besides myself with handling my food allergies, be it a friend, or even a sibling or parent. However, from this friend, I've learned that even though it may be hard to trust other people with certain aspects of my food allergies, the ones that truly care will try and help; She showed me that even though food allergies are hard to handle, I will never have to do it alone.
So to my friend, thank you for always being there, and helping me even on your special day. You truly are a great friend!
-Alli
Whenever I go to parties, I make a point of asking the host what she is going to be serving. This way, whatever food I bring can be similar to what everyone else is eating. As soon as I asked my friend, she looked up at me and said "Oh yeah! Just so you know, I talked to the manager and told them my friend has severe food allergies and that she has to bring her own food. They told me it wouldn't be a problem and that they can heat anything up. So bring whatever you want!" She said this in such an off-handed manner, but I gave her the biggest smile. Yes, she is one of my best friends, but I have never expected anyone to do something like that -to look out for me- unless I specifically ask them to. When I told her that, she looked at me and said "Of course I would ask! You're my friend!" in a tone that said she's surprised I would expect anything less.
Very often, I find it hard to trust anyone besides myself with handling my food allergies, be it a friend, or even a sibling or parent. However, from this friend, I've learned that even though it may be hard to trust other people with certain aspects of my food allergies, the ones that truly care will try and help; She showed me that even though food allergies are hard to handle, I will never have to do it alone.
So to my friend, thank you for always being there, and helping me even on your special day. You truly are a great friend!
-Alli
Tuesday, January 21, 2014
16 Years of Success
I have:
- Never used my Epipen
- Avoided Hospital visits due to reactions
- Found true friends who I trust to support me
- Learned the hard way the dangers of food allergies
- Taught my friends and family the basics of food allergies
- Been on national television sharing my thoughts
- Discovered tasty allergy-friendly recipes
- Successfuly traveled on field trips
- Researched food allergies to further develop my knowledge
- Proved to myself and others that I have no limits due to my food allergies
- Realized my ability to help others like me
- Created this blog to help others achieve an easier lifestyle with food allergies
I am proud of myself and all of the accomplishments I have achieved throughout the 16 years of my life, and I am thankful for everyone who have helped me reach this point of success.
As Jarod Kintz once said, "The year you were born marks only your entry into the world. Other years where you prove your worth, they are the ones worth celebrating." So as I continue my journey through life with food allergies, I will continue to celebrate the accomplishments I have achieved over the past years, and look forward to the ones yet to come and sharing them with you!
-Alli
Tuesday, January 14, 2014
Field Trip Fiasco
Last week, I went on a Student Council field trip for a state conference at our state college, which included workshops run by other students explaining different projects and activities that make their schools unique. I was so excited to find new ways to have fun at my school! But then I got the email sent out with the trip information. And this was a part of it:
"If you did not buy the lunch buffet, you will eat in the student lounge or you can buy a ticket for the buffet at the door for $9.00. If you bring your own lunch, you cannot eat in the cafeteria with everyone else."
I stared at the email for a few seconds in shock. As far as I knew, I was the only one planning on bringing my own lunch. I responded asking why this was and my adviser said that it was an open buffet, and they don't allow people in that didn't pay for tickets- the school's rules, not hers. This bothered me, and I immediately wondered, could this be considered descrimination against people with food allergies? But then I realized they probably didn't even think of those with food allergies when they made this rule, and I just let it go and accepted that I wasn't going to be able to sit with my friends.
By the time lunch came around on the trip, I figured I would ask if I could get in. After all, they wouldn't deny someone the right to sit at a table if they have food allergies and are physically unable to eat the food, right?
They did.
I looked around outside the cafeteria. There were no seats anywhere, just an empty hallway. As I was scanning with my eyes to find an acceptable place to sit down on the floor to settle in for lunch, my friend kindly insisted in paying for my ticket. As I handed the ticket to the same woman that denied my original access, she gave me a smile and said "You never know, our cafeteria is very allergy-friendly and probably has plenty of options for you! Just ask the attendants!" I smiled and said thank you.
But, inside I was enraged. She doesn't know anything about food allergies, let alone mine! As I looked around at the different buffet options, the only thing I saw that might have been acceptable if I hadn't brought a lunch would have been the salad bar. But upon closer inspection, everything was a mess and mixed together due to the self serve option, and definitely a hazard with my carrot and dairy allergies.
As I went to sit down, I shook my head in frustration. But while eating my own safe lunch, I happily ate my sandwich, knowing that I was safe, and I had friends looking out for me, even if the people at this school weren't.
-Alli
"If you did not buy the lunch buffet, you will eat in the student lounge or you can buy a ticket for the buffet at the door for $9.00. If you bring your own lunch, you cannot eat in the cafeteria with everyone else."
I stared at the email for a few seconds in shock. As far as I knew, I was the only one planning on bringing my own lunch. I responded asking why this was and my adviser said that it was an open buffet, and they don't allow people in that didn't pay for tickets- the school's rules, not hers. This bothered me, and I immediately wondered, could this be considered descrimination against people with food allergies? But then I realized they probably didn't even think of those with food allergies when they made this rule, and I just let it go and accepted that I wasn't going to be able to sit with my friends.
By the time lunch came around on the trip, I figured I would ask if I could get in. After all, they wouldn't deny someone the right to sit at a table if they have food allergies and are physically unable to eat the food, right?
They did.
I looked around outside the cafeteria. There were no seats anywhere, just an empty hallway. As I was scanning with my eyes to find an acceptable place to sit down on the floor to settle in for lunch, my friend kindly insisted in paying for my ticket. As I handed the ticket to the same woman that denied my original access, she gave me a smile and said "You never know, our cafeteria is very allergy-friendly and probably has plenty of options for you! Just ask the attendants!" I smiled and said thank you.
But, inside I was enraged. She doesn't know anything about food allergies, let alone mine! As I looked around at the different buffet options, the only thing I saw that might have been acceptable if I hadn't brought a lunch would have been the salad bar. But upon closer inspection, everything was a mess and mixed together due to the self serve option, and definitely a hazard with my carrot and dairy allergies.
As I went to sit down, I shook my head in frustration. But while eating my own safe lunch, I happily ate my sandwich, knowing that I was safe, and I had friends looking out for me, even if the people at this school weren't.
-Alli
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