Update on my Goals for Food Allergy Awareness Week

Today’s post is just a quick update on the progress of my goals during Food Allergy Awareness Week. I have had a crazy month and no sleep, but still very productive and blessed for all that has been happening in the food allergy world!

Today was another productive day of educating others on food allergies. I was able to create some packets of information that would be beneficial to schools and was able to deliver the packets to 9 schools in my area. I was welcomed by all in a warm fashion and was thankful that the packets were accepted. Now, fingers crossed that they will be reviewed and even better if they are read. In the education world, teachers and other school staff are all extremely overextended like most of us, but this is such a scary place for parents with children dealing with food allergies and the place where most allergic reactions occur. So, this is the area I have focused on during this week of Food Allergy Awareness Week.

I have also been contacted by some additional schools in the Dayton area to give presentations on food allergies to their school staff, so this is also such a great opportunity to spread the word and awareness. And, one final note, while getting my lunch at Hava Java, as I do every Wednesday, I was searching for a large cookie to assist in my sweet tooth cravings, and asked for some explanations of what was what, and the first thing that was explained to me (these are not individuals that would know me from Joe), “the entire tray on the bottom contain some type of nuts”. Woohoo!  So, far this week as have been a productive week! Continue your work, education and spreading of awareness especially this week, but also, any week where there is a need!

Thanks again for the positive feedback!  Some of you are cracking me up, but most of you make me feel supported and at least understood!  Thanks!

Health Fair and Update on Advocating To Do List!

Today was a great day!  I had attended the health fair in Indiana and had a booth on food allergies. While most of us realize that there is such an abundant amount of information, supports, etc on food allergies; I was having a tug a war of what to have at my booth, what I wanted the message to be, and what this specific audience needed. The overall need is education and awareness. Thanks to FAAN, I had a great amount of information to post on Allergy Awareness Week this coming week and then I had some great brochures, recipes, books, and just information on statistics and how and why food allergies have changed so much since 1996. Overall, I would give information and the “speech” to the person at my booth based on who they were. For example, for elderly individuals without children/grandchildren with food allergies, I would give the options and awareness about family gatherings and how to keep them safe when dealing with nieces/nephews with food allergies. For parents just getting started with food allergies with their children, I would give them “introductory” packets with tons of resources and information. For teachers or school officials, it was the speech on school safe peanut butter and the unfairness of separating our children from their peers during social time. Overall, I was extremely empowered, moved, emotional, and ready to move to the next event for additional education and awareness. The thing that I loved the most and the new found insight to myself was while I use the word “speech”, everything was completely coming out of me in such a natural and supportive way. I get that everyone doesn’t get it, but it’s my job to assist them in getting it. Also, I was asked by several other groups there to come and present to their daycares, schools, and other programs that deal with children. This is exciting. The word is spreading.

My next great and exciting news is I have now my first advocating item on my check list (see previous post) checked off. I went to Sassy Treats, our new bakery in town and was greeted with support, understanding, and open-mindedness. They stated that they would post a sign that states that they do offer allergy friendly treats!  One change at a time!

And, one last note, I do apologize to not getting back with everyone from my advocating to do list, but THANK YOU SO, SO MUCH for your advice and supports! It is appreciated and used!