To everyone who has played a role in supporting my child with food allergies:
Many of you are parents or caregivers of children with similar challenges, while others may know friends or colleagues affected by food allergies. Some of you are educators, while others interact with my child in various ways—even if you haven’t met him personally. Regardless of your connection, your impact has been profound.
You comprehend that a child’s safety is paramount. You recognize the weight of our situation and the complexities of living in a world filled with allergens. You don’t indulge in hurtful jokes or comments about food allergies. You stand up against bullying, ensuring our children feel safe and valued.
Your kindness shines through in countless ways. You make sure my son avoids his allergens, which include all nuts. You refrain from offering him food or treats that could potentially harm him. You wash your hands when entering our home, respecting our family’s needs. Your commitment to keeping him safe is evident.
At school, you monitor him closely. You stay vigilant during recess and share informative articles and videos about food allergies. Your donations to organizations searching for a cure give us hope for the future.
You choose to walk alongside us on this daunting path, fully aware that we would do the same for your child. You understand that ensuring a child’s well-being often means making small sacrifices, like avoiding certain foods. This choice is made with love, knowing that my child’s life holds more value than any snack.
You’re aware of the serious nature of food allergies. You understand that anyone can develop these sensitivities at any point in their lives. With around fifteen million Americans living with food allergies, and millions more worldwide, your awareness and knowledge of symptoms and how to use an epinephrine auto-injector are invaluable.
You’ve seen heartbreaking stories of children who have tragically lost their lives to food allergies. These memories stay with me, as I strive to protect my son from facing a similar fate. You know that he had his first anaphylactic reaction at just four years old, and you understand the fear that lingers in my heart since that day. I still vividly recall the panic of watching my child struggle to breathe, memories that haunt me.
Looking at my son, I still see the baby I cradled in my arms—my little boy who deserves protection and understanding. He just happens to have food allergies, and like any mother, I would do anything to keep him safe.
Thank you for empathizing with our journey and recognizing that my child’s life is as precious as your own. I promise to do everything in my power to protect your children, too, as well as my son’s friends and classmates.
With all my gratitude, thank you for your support in helping my child navigate his food allergies. I am endlessly thankful for compassionate individuals like you. May my son always be surrounded by this love, and may that love follow him wherever life takes him.
Sincerely,
A Caring Mom Who Cares Deeply for Her Son