Kendall Hollinger
Accomplished figure skater, Kendall Hollinger, age 14, was diagnosed with many life-threatening food allergies as an infant (including allergies to all nuts, seeds, pork, soy, most fruits, most vegetables, fish, and eggs to name just a few). Today, to ensure she gets the proper nutrients she needs, Kendall’s doctors have inserted a gastric feeding tube into her stomach.
But Kendall doesn’t let her food allergies stop her from pursuing her dreams.
“When I was 5 years old, I had a friend who took a skating class,” Kendall writes. “She invited me to go with her and I wanted to try it so bad. I begged my parents, but they were reluctant because I was very sick. My doctor said that I could try it out since the ice is such a clean environment, so my parents agreed. The minute my feet hit the ice, I knew that would not be the end of my skating. I loved it. I was free. When I’m skating, it’s my safe zone.”
With her eyes set on the Olympics, Hollinger now competes at U.S. Figure Skating Association events.
Kendall’s story has garnered nationwide attention as she was featured on Good Morning America to talk about the challenges she faces with food allergies. Hollinger understands the importance of taking food allergies seriously. “I have experienced anaphylaxis eight times,” she shares. “What I have learned from those reactions is to have your epinephrine available at all times.”
Kendall enjoys speaking publicly as a FAAN Teen Ambassador to help children overcome medical disadvantages. “Everybody has something that makes them different and that's a great thing,” she writes. Her message to other kids with food allergies is, “believe fearlessly in your dream, and you can achieve any dream. Don’t ever let your food allergies stop you – they just make you stronger.”
In February 2011, Kendall received the FAAN Teen Hero Award in recognition of how sharing her story has helped others. Kendall is also a Local Honorary Teen Chair for the FAAN Walk for Food Allergy in Los Angeles.
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