HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Christopher's eyes are still a mess...he is coughing up a lung, and on top of everything, Katie has been sick with the stomach flu since last night....I haven't slept since Friday night....not sure what tonight will bring....

Allergy Eyes

OK...focusing on Christopher, my 6 year old son, today...he has really bad allergy eyes. Took him to allergist and had skin tests and the only thing he tested positive for was cat. We don't even have a cat, so that can't be it. Took him on Monday for blood to be drawn to do RAST test, but haven't gotten the results yet. Right now he is on Allegra daily and just got off a course of steroids. Allergist wants to also put him on a nosespray but am hesitant to do that when we don't even know what is causing his issues. Oh, and also eyedrops and cortisone cream for around his eyes. Any suggestions???

Halloween Update

I wish I has some more interesting news, but I guess that no news is good news!!! May have been a blessing in disguise, but my peanut-allergic daughter had H1N1 and pneumonia over Halloween, so she wasn't able to participate in all the festivites, so it created an easier environment than in the past with the whole food allergy situation with the candy. I feel like all parents of kids with food allergies who make it through each holiday should get a notch on their belt or something!!!

Now my focus is on organizing a food allergy support group in my area, as well as do training sessions in local schools and businesses. Keep me in your thoughts and prayers...this economy is taking its toll on all new businesses, not just mine, but here's hoping that people will see how important it is to educate others about food allergies.

Please Mr. Restaurateur, Don't Kill My Kid - Foodie File

Please Mr. Restaurateur, Don't Kill My Kid - Foodie File

Shared via AddThis

Back to School!!!

Well, the kids just finished day 3 of school for this new school year. I sent Katie in with a fresh Epi-pen 2 pack and Benadryl for the school nurse, and an Epi-pen and Benadryl for her backpack (mostly in case something happens on the bus ride to or from school). I am extremely fortunate to live in a small school district with:

• Peanut free and Tree-Nut free cafeteria
• Peanut/Tree Nut free tables in the cafeteria (kids can bring their own pb&j from home)
• Full time nurse
• Epi-pen training for teachers and staff
• Peanut-Free classrooms

Katie has been attending this school for 4 years-this is her 5th year-and has bought hot lunch for almost every day, and has NEVER had a reaction in school. Our school has an automated phone call system for the parents and on the day before school started, the principal "called" and reminded everyone about the food allergy policies at the school. The individual teachers send home a letter to all parents if there is a child with a food allergy in the classroom. There is a no-food policy for birthdays-the school celebrates each month in the cafeteria and all the birthday kids for the month get to sit on the stage and get a peanut-free nut-free ice cream cup.

I really hate to brag about stuff, but I really love the policies set in place by our elementary school and feel completely safe sending Katie there every day.

Katie is Back!!!

This is Katie-my 9 1/2 year old with a severe Peanut Allergy. She (and mom!) survived a week of summer camp!!!! I was nervous sending her overnight for a week, but the staff was wonderful!!! Katie had a great time, enjoyed all the activities, ate the food, made new friends, and didn't have a single allergic reaction!!! I am definitely pleased with how everyone made sure that Katie had a safe week and made her feel like a "normal" kid. Planning on sending her back there next year!!!

THANK YOU

I know that this is late in coming, but I wanted to send a big "THANK YOU" to all of those who helped out with the first annual food allergy fun fair back in June. I had a great response for donations of products to put on display and hope that this has helped increase traffic to your site!!!

I am continuing to work on contacting community groups to participate in local events and if anyone is still interested in making donations of merchandise, flyers, coupons, etc, feel free to contact me and we can make arrangements.

Thank you again and if you have any suggestions, please let me know!!!