Finding the Positive

By Katelyn

When I was 11 months old, I was diagnosed with life-threatening, anaphylactic food allergies. I am allergic to milk, fish, and shellfish, as well as all forms of penicillin. When I was about 10 years old, with the support of my family and friends, I decided I wasn’t going to let my food allergies take over my life. Instead, they were going to become a part of my life. With this understanding, I was determined to take on any challenges that awaited me in the future. 

My food allergies helped me mature quicker than most children my age. Instead of talking about food allergies as a negative aspect of my life, I have always tried to find the positive in having food allergies. When I discuss my food allergies with friends and new acquaintances, they are shocked to discover that I rarely have anything negative to say.  They commonly respond with, “but you can’t have pizza … ice cream … and CHOCOLATE!” They are then surprised to hear in my response that I am not disappointed that I can’t eat those foods. 

Being allergic to milk, fish, and shellfish has allowed me to maintain a healthy diet, explore different types of food, and even experiment with cooking. I have established a love for sorbet and my own homemade blueberry muffins.

The severity of my food allergies requires that I carry two epinephrine auto-injectors at all times. I learned to be responsible for myself, making sure that I have my epinephrine auto-injectors with me. I learned to surround myself with friends I could trust and rely on if I never needed help. I also learned that quality, not quantity, was one of the most valuable lessons of growing up with food allergies. 

My food allergies require me to always be aware of my surroundings in order to ensure my safety and well-being. Other than that, I am able to go about my life just like any normal college student – I just might have to make some adjustments. For example, I am very active on campus and have played on the women’s soccer team since my freshman year. I am able to travel all across the East Coast for games despite my food allergies. In order to travel, I make all my meals prior to our trips. This is just a small adjustment I have to make in my schedule.

When I am able to take a break from my studies, I enjoy hanging out with my friends.  Whenever I venture out, I make sure I have my epinephrine auto-injectors with me and that I am with a group of friends I know and trust. Although I can’t eat out at restaurants, I still go out with my friends to dinner. I’ll either make my dinner and bring it to the restaurant, or eat before going to the restaurant.

I might have to go about things a little differently, but food allergies can’t stop me from doing what I love to do. I am Katelyn the daughter, sister, friend, roommate, student, and athlete, before I am a person living with food allergies.

Katelyn, age 20, is a past member of FAAN’s Teen Advisory Group.

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