Food Allergy Community Awareness



10 Things Children with Food Allergies Want You to KnowBy Gina Clowes

1. I long to be included. I would like to look, act and eat like everyone else. I’d like to buy my lunch and sit wherever I want. I know I can’t, but I am so happy inside when someone cares enough to provide a safe potato chip, cookie or Popsicle for me. It’s nice when I can have something similar to what others are eating but I love it when I can eat the same thing as everyone else. Whenever it’s possible, please think to include me!2. I’m scared I could die from my food allergies. I’ve heard my parents and teachers mention “life-threatening” food allergies and I remember having some reactions where I felt very sick and really scared. I could see how frightened my parents were too. Sometimes, I could use a little reassurance that I will be okay. 3. I feel like I’m the only one sometimes. If you have a support group or another way to arrange for me to meet other children who have food allergies, I would really like to know that I am not the only kid who has food allergies. Having another friend with food allergies in my classroom or at lunch time helps too.4. I get confused when grown-ups offer me food. I know I’m supposed to be polite and listen to grown-ups, but my parents have told me I am only supposed to take food from them. When you offer me food or especially candy, I’d like to take it but I’m not sure about what I am supposed to do.5. I get itchy spots sometimes when grown-ups kiss me after they’ve eaten something I’m allergic to. I get itchy spots when your dog licks me too. I’m not quite brave enough to tell you this so I’m hoping you will remember that if you have just eaten something that I’m allergic to, I may get hives if you kiss me soon afterward. 6. I’m embarrassed when people fuss over what I’m eating. I know I have to eat my own safe food, but it’s easier for me when I’m not singled out. Sometimes, it’s embarrassing when grown-ups ask lots of questions. I love to fit in more than anything. 7. I hear all adult conversations about my food allergies. My ears perk up when I hear grown-ups mention my name or food allergies, so don’t pity me or act terrified because then I get scared. Food allergies are just one part of me. Let me overhear you talk about all the other wonderful things about me! 8.Sometimes I’m sad about having food allergies. It’s hard to be the only kid in class not having a cupcake and eating something different from my box of “safe treats” especially when there are about 20 other birthdays in my class. I know it’s not the end of the world, but from my perspective, it’s tough at times.9. I’m watching you—Mom and Dad! You may think that I’m too little to notice, but I see that you went back home to get my Epi-Pen® when you forgot it. I see that you read the ingredients on the Smarties every time. You are my role models and I am learning how to manage my food allergies from you!10. I will do about as well as you do. My parents “can-do” attitude will help me cope with the challenges of living with allergies and ensure that food allergies don’t stop me from being everything I was meant to be!

Meeting!!!!

Tuesday September 14th!!

6-730 pm

Sandburg Mall (old Gordons Jewelers)

All are welcome! Let me know if you can make it!!!

Meeting!!!

Tuesday April 13th at 6pm!!

Kristine's Home: 1566 Rock Island Ave Galesburg!!

questions?? email k.trone@comcast.net or call 368-1791!

Hope to see you all there!!!!

Meeting!!

Tuesday March 16th 6pm

Kristine's home 1566 Rock Island Ave.

Call me at 309-368-1791 or email k.trone@comcast.net if you have questions or need a ride!

Hope to see you all there!!!

MEETING RESCHEDULE!!!!

We will not meet on Tuesday March 9th!!

Feb 9th 2010~

We had a fabulous meetinng on the 9th!! So nice to catch up with old friends and we are thrilled to add three new mommies to our group!! WELCOME~ Jen, Sarah and Stefanie!!!

I am so pleased to have you with us!!!

Next meeting will be Tuesday March 9th 2010. See you there!!

Feb.2010

Due to bad weather we will not meet Tuesday the 9th!

We will meet Tuesday Feb 16th at 6pm at Kristine's home : 1566 Rock Island Ave~ Galesburg!

Please call 309-368-1791 or email k.trone@comcast.net if you have any questions!!!

Jan. 2010

We have arrived at a new year and I am ready to move forward with our food allergy group but I need you!!

I would like to begin meeting on a regular basis again! I am thinking the second Tuesday of every month at 6pm at my house?

First one on Tuesday Feb.9th at 6pm..... my home 1566 Rock Island ave.

Please call 309-368-1791 or email me at k.trone@comcast.net.

I am so looking forward to a new year and hope we can continue to educate our community and support and encourage each other!

October 1st, 2009

Hello all!

We are still here.....life has just been busy and so much has happened!

We are glad YOU are here!!

I will be updating our website this week....so please check back soon :)

I hope you and your loved ones are happy and healthy. Remember food allergies are a part of our lives but they dont define us!!

Take care,

Kristine

F.A.C.A. (Food Allergy Community Awareness) * 1566 Rock Island Ave * Galesburg, IL. 61401

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Sponsored recipes and printed information are for informational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. As a parental support group, FACA is in no way intended to replace the advice, recommendations and treatments prescribed by a physician. In addition, the persons contributing recipes and those who maintain the information on our website are not responsible in any way for any use, misuse or interpretation of information and resources provided.