Power in Numbers
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- Our Truth About Dermatitis and Food Allergies
- Our Soy Story
- Living in the Moment
- Forgiving Yourself for Food Allergy Mistakes
- Our Food Allergy Experience - So Far
- Growing Up With Food Allergies
- How Food Allergies Can Shape the Person You Become
- Piecing Together My Son's Milk Allergy
- Don't Let Food Allergies Get You Down
- A Diagnosis of Food Allergy and EE
- A Food Allergy That Reemerged
- First Reaction in 14 Years
By Roxanne M.
Ten years have passed since my 11-year-old son was diagnosed with a life-threatening allergy to peanuts and tree nuts. Of all the lessons learned over these 10 years, the biggest has come from my realization that there is power in numbers.
I have always been one to research issues thoroughly, and my son's allergies were definitely top on my list. However, I was uncomfortable in talking with people directly. I had received so much mixed feedback when I tried to discuss it. Some people seemed to act as though I was making a big deal out of nothing, some people acted as though avoiding nuts would be the worst thing in the world.
Especially when it came to school, the reactions from teachers, fellow parents, and school officials were different from year to year. Finally, I decided to reach out to the other parents of my son's school to see if there were other families dealing with the same issues and if they felt there would be a benefit in getting together to discuss our experiences and learn from each other. I heard from two other parents and in those first few months of meeting, we merely talked and shared our stresses and our achievements in handling the day-to-day issues that arise at school for our kids.
It has been a year and our group has now grown to include several families from all the schools in our district of 8,000 students. We have been able to take our experiences and work with the school to make positive changes for our children. With the momentum we've gained just by working together, we are looking for ways to improve our community for all those affected by food allergies. And, along the way, we have found a common bond that unites us.
For me, being a part of a support group has given me a new confidence that allows me to speak about my son's allergies in an effort to educate others and spread awareness. Where my voice is stronger now that I have the resources of my group behind me, our voices, banded together, are far louder still. The power of numbers, when used in a positive way to work together, can accomplish great things!
Roxanne is a support group leader for the Rockford Food Allergy Network in Michigan. Find a support group in your area.
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