7 Quick Takes: What a Food Allergy Mom is Thankful For

  School year 2014-2015 officially ended. As my children were relaxing this Friday, I can't help but feel overwhelmed with all the stuff they brought home this week --- used up books, leftover supplies, summer school packets and endless stash of paper. 

   While I try to figure out what to do with this new pile of craziness, these dusty plastic bags filled with unused medications caught me eyes. That's when it hit me. 180 school days passed and these were untouched. Thank God! 

    So instead of focusing on the new workload this summer brings, I decided to pause. Incidentally, there's a 7 Quick Takes link up so I got inspired to write and participate in it. 

     For today, I am thankful for:

      1. The packs of epinephrine, asthma inhaler and antihistamine the school nurses sent back home. This meant that both Child#2 and Child#3 didn't have any allergic reaction or asthma attack in school.

     2. The achievements each child brought home - Student of the Week, Honor Roll, High Honor Roll and impressive report cards. It certainly showed that they worked hard this past year.

    3. The practice sheets by Child#4. It was a struggle to teach this "leftie" how to form the letters properly. Now he enjoys writing sentences.

     4. A Flu-less winter. Yup, all 6 of us were clear even if we didn't have flu shots. In fact, we didn't have any emergency room trip this year. 

     5. Laid back mornings. My inner drill sergeant is currently on vacation too. Since the kids don't have to be out at certain times, I'm enjoying the calmer environment. 

     6. Being able to enjoy cooking and baking again. With not much distractions like kids' projects, homework and extra curricular activities, developing food allergy friendly recipes will be back.

     7. Just having all my 4 kids together in one place. Since they are all with me, there's no need to panic every time the phone rings. I know they are all safe. Not to mention, it's time for making memories together.

     How about you? What are you thankful for today? Tell us in the comments below so that we can all celebrate them. 

- Roz

On Food Allergies: Another Life Lost, Another Lawsuit

       My heart breaks every time I read another food allergy related death in the news. 

      As you may have known, Child#2 and Child#3 who both have multiple food allergies and asthma, are high risk for anaphylaxis. Though we haven't had a trip to the ER related to it yet (Thank God!), the fear of having a severe reaction every time they eat is always there.  

       Last month, there were two food allergy related news that created a stir in the web. Though both has been shared a few times in several food allergy groups on Facebook, I can't help but share it to you and voice out my opinions about it. 

      The first story was about the parents of an 11 year old boy from Alabama who died last June 3, 2014 due to an anaphylactic reaction to tree nuts.  They are now suing their local Publix Grocery Store for the death of their son.  

        According to the article,

"The purpose of the lawsuit is the raise the awareness of food allergens that are potentially fatal in children, to have Publix follow the federal law in labeling food allergens and obtain some measure of compensation for the family."

The family is suing for mental and emotional distress and suffering, as well as punitive damages in an amount to be determined by a jury.

       You can read the full story here.

     The second story was about a family from Minnesota who filed a lawsuit against a local diner after their 16 year old son who has a severe dairy allergy passed away from complications due to an anaphylactic reaction. They were saying that the restaurant's negligence is to blame for the untimely death of their son.  

     Check out the full story here.

Photo courtesy of CreativeClam 

    After years of dealing with my children's food allergies, I have to say, these news were quite disturbing for me.  Yes, both incidents, though had a tragic end were instrumental in spreading information about the severity of food allergies. Their stories were a proof that a food allergy is not a joke or a hype. I can't even imagine the pain of losing a precious child over a piece of cookie or pancake.  That's why I'm really saddened by the loss.

     The lawsuits however, don't have my sympathy. In both cases, the restaurant, grocery store and their employees showed that they lack the necessary knowledge and precautions to handle food allergies. That doesn't mean though that the sole responsibility of the deaths is theirs alone.  (I'm not a lawyer just an opinionated mom).

      As much as I hate to say it, the parents did make a lot of mistakes as well. They broke some cardinal rules of managing food allergies such as:

1. Know the ingredients of what your child is about eat.

      That's the main reason why we read food labels and ask for better food labeling. In both scenarios, the children ingested food that are not even labeled. We are not talking about fresh or frozen fruit or vegetables here. To be more specific, it's a chocolate cookie and pancake. Products that require several processed ingredients which can be easily exposed to cross contamination. Plus, both can are often times made with ingredients (nut and dairy), the boys are known to be severely allergic to.   If you don't know what's in it, just say NO!

2.  Too much trust on food servers.

       In both cases, the moms did ask the store associate and food server if the product they were about to get is nut free / dairy free.  That's why the plaintiffs are pointing their fingers to these people. I'm not tolerating ignorance but not everyone is well knowledgeable with the words "dairy free" and "nut free" . Some so called "experts" tend to get confused too.

      For instance, tiger nuts, peanuts, water chestnuts and coconut (though the USFDA decided it is and I don't know why) are technically not a nut even it is part of their names. Pecans and cashews are types of nuts. Unless you know your food really well, it is very easy to make a mistake.

       The same holds true to dairy. Now here's an interesting fact. The USDA classifies cream cheese, cream and butter (milk based products that have little or no calcium) as not part of the dairy group. This is shown in their website.
     
3. Medication and emergency protocol.

     Now, this will be the hardest to swallow especially to the parents of the 16 year old teen. He ate without any immediate access to his epinephrine. Also, the reluctance to immediately call 911.

     Did I ever forget to bring my children's epi? Yes! A few times especially after I change bags.  Did I allow them to eat? A big NO! I treat their epi as a soldier's gun. I will not go to any battle without it.
      Though I never mentioned to my children that we are not eating at the restaurant because I left the epi, I made countless excuses such as "The waiting time is too long." "The place is dirty." and the reason no one can argue about, "Mom is not feeling good right now. I really need to go home."
     
     Dealing with food allergies is not an easy task. As much as we want others to accommodate our children's special needs, let us not forget that we are responsible for our child's survival. We know first hand that a mistake can be fatal. That's why we have to be extra vigilant.

     I know how hard it is to see faces of longing or hearing complains of hunger.  So let me end with this message my kids' allergist always tell me every appointment.
   
     "2 or even 4 hours of hunger will not kill your child.  A tiny bite however, of something he/she is allergic to can."        

- Roz
      

Angels in Disguise

"It takes a village to raise a child." 

                        - African Proverb

    In the case of my four children, I think a town or two.  Seriously, I do believe that everyone a child meets, whether by accident or not, plays an important role in his or her development.  A simple look, an act of kindness or a passing message can have a lasting impact that will forever be a part of that little one's life.

     As we celebrated Food Allergy Awareness Week, I couldn't help being emotional as I acknowledge the wonderful people who constantly help me raise my kids.  Their acceptance, kindness and never ending support not only made our family's journey with food allergies much easier, it also gave way to wonderful memories. 

1. Teachers and School Staff

        Thank you for making the schools peanut free and the classroom nut free as well.  Your wonderful policies such as No food birthday celebrations, list of healthy approved snacks, very few food related activities and bulling have made my life as a mom so much easier.  By constantly reminding the children that they are a family, you have instilled the value of individuality, respect and compassion.

2. Town library staff

         I can't thank you enough for sponsoring kid friendly programs that don't center on food.  If ever there are snacks, you always make sure that you have some safe treats even if it is often pricier.  How can I forget the patience you've shown when I was looking for food allergy related books?  From a collection of about 5 books, you now have a huge selection that I and other food allergy patrons can enjoy.  Please keep the collection growing every season.  

3. Cub Scout and Girl Scout leaders

         You all have done a great job in balancing normalcy and safety.  Thank you for being on top of all the allergies of each Scouts (peanut and nut free snacks only) and not making a big deal when a child isn't comfortable eating.  Through you, all the kids learned the it is fine to say "No."

4. Master Sensei, Karate teachers and students

      Even if Child #3 is the smallest in the Dojo, you never fail to encourage him and point out his strengths.  You even allow him to partner with some of the older, high ranking students.  The proud look on his face when he first pinned down a much bigger kid to defend himself will forever be cherished.  Thanks for teaching him discipline and self confidence.  

5. Choir Master
       Thank you for your dedication.  Through you, my girls are learning commitment, discipline and most of all the value of giving without expecting any tangible return.

6. Pediatrician, Allergist, Gastroenterologist, Dentist and their Staff
        You all go beyond what is required to make my children healthy.  I am so blessed to have you on my team.  In spite of all the testings and countless visits, you made sure that the kids are happy and comfortable.  Honestly, they are always happy to go to your clinics.

7. School Parents
     I have read so many horror stories about moms not getting along with other FA moms. Thankfully, I'm so blessed to be in the company of super loving and supportive parents.  I'm so grateful for still inviting my kids to parties and play dates.  For us, it's all about the children having a great time and not elaborately decorated treats.

     Finally, all my children's friends, classmates and fellow scouts.  Instead of avoiding or excluding them, you look for things that you have in common.  Thank you for being their voices and having their backs when they are too shy or weak to stand up for themselves.

      Truly, when God gives a challenge, He sends Angels to help us go through.
               

- Roz