Hi PAK’S Members,
I’m Sarah. I am 14 years old and have lived with food allergies my whole life. When I was 8 months old I was diagnosed with a peanut allergy. After that there was strawberries and penicillin. Now my allergy list includes all antibiotics (except one), all nuts (including the smell), and strawberries.
Growing up as a child with allergies is tough. There were many school activities that I couldn’t participate in, and then there were the dreaded hospital visits. Over the last 2 years my allergy has become much more sensitive and even airborne. So even if I smell nuts I have to use at least one epi-pen and go to the hospital. My last two admissions were for 5 days each.
I am very excited to be writing for the PAK’S website, and being able to help other teens with allergies.
Yours Truly,
Sarah
Sarah's 1st PAK Interview
How old are you Sarah?
I’m 14 and in the 9th grade
What are you allergic to?
I’m allergic to nuts (even inhalation), strawberries, all antibiotics except for one, and albuterol.
Do you ever remember not having allergies?
No! I was 8 months old when I was first diagnosed, so I’ve always had some type of allergy but I do remember being able to smell nuts.
What's the worst part of your allergies? In other words, what do you wish you could change?
The worst part of my allergy is the inhalation part. That’s because I could have a reaction and not know what I am reacting to and it freaks me out. Usually I end up finding out that someone had been eating peanuts and I didn‘t know. I wish I could change EVERYTHING!!!! It would be so much easier to live without any allergies. I’m always worrying I might have an allergic reaction and not make it through.
Have you ever been teased because of your allergies?
Yes, in the eighth grade these girls decided they didn’t like me so they brought in peanut butter sandwiches so I wouldn’t sit at there table anymore during lunch. Then another totally different set of girls didn’t believe that you are able to react to the smell, so they had been planned a “peanut party”. They were all going to bring in peanut butter sandwiches and Recess Peanut Butter Cups to “see my face blow up” . Luckily they told one of my friends and I went straight to the Dean of Students.
Have you ever been left out of activities because of your allergies? If so, what? How did that feel?
All the time. Just one example would be: One of my best friends was singing the national anthem at the Ducks baseball game and she really wanted me to be there to support her. I couldn’t go though because they serve roasted peanuts at the baseball games so it wasn’t safe for me to be there.
Disclaimer:
PAK is not a professional or medical organization. It is a group of parents sharing information and supporting each other. The discussions, meeting minutes, handouts, guest speakers, agendas, and other products of our support group do not constitute medical/legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Always discuss individual health questions and medical issues with a qualified personal physician.
You are not in this alone.
If you have a food allergy question for Sarah, please write to PAK at cristina@protectallergickids.com.
Sarah's Superbowl Party
Did you go to a Superbowl Party?
Yes I went to my uncles house.
Who did you root for?
The New York Giants of course!!!
What precautions did you take to make sure the food was safe?
The party was at my mom's brother's house so they started "de-nutting" their house a week in advance. We called my uncle to make sure he knew to carefully read all of the packages. (he was so nervous that he handed my mom all the labels as we walked in the door). He was planning to have pizza so we had him call his pizzeria and ask "the nut questions". Also, my mom always brings an extra dessert just in case I can't eat what's there, which turned out to be a good thing. We got a panic call from my aunt who realized the cupcakes she made had sprinkles on them that were manufactured on equipment that also produces nut products.
Did you leave your epi-pens home because you took so many precautions?
NO!!!! I ALWAYS carry 2 epi-pens, Benedryl, my inhaler, and my cell phone (to call 911 if needed). You can never be too safe. Especially with the inhalation part of my allergy, I never know if I'm going to walk through any airborne allergens.
Were you nervous about eating outside of your own home?
I'm always a little nervous when I eat somewhere besides my own house.
Did you have a good time?
Yes, my uncle's house is always fun.
"Meet Sarah"
Teen Column
New Interview
How are things in school?
Awesome!! I had a reaction at school but it seems to have woken
up the administration. Recently my teachers (as per my
principal) have made all of my classrooms no eating zones. So
that I have more protection in the classrooms even the classes
before and after me have to be food free.
Have you done any extracurricular activities lately?
Yes I am in All County Chorus. The best musicians in the county
are chosen to participate. Kids from schools all over the county
come together to have a concert.
Did you have any problems?
No! The staff was very accommodating. They made an announcement
that there were to be no nuts/peanuts eaten in the room we
practiced in. They also gave me a separate area to eat lunch in.
My friends all made sure that they brought peanut free lunches
so we had our own little area to eat in. I felt very
comfortable.
What else have you done?
Well, in May our chorus is going on a trip and we need to raise
money for it. This past weekend we had a volley ball tournament
and got sponsors to pledge money by the hour to support us. It
was 10 hours long and there was a lot of food!!!
What did they do there to help you with the food issues?
The school sent an e-mail to all the parents saying not to send
anything with nuts in it. Also the chaperones checked all the
food labels as the food came in to be sure it was safe. The only
problem that I had was that I could barely walk after 10
straight hours of playing!!!!
