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Thursday, September 16, 2010

Moving on...

Well as you can tell it's been way to long since my last post. Life has kept me incredibly busy. My husband and I have taken it upon ourselves to organize BC's Run, Walk and Stroll for Anaphylaxis in support of Anaphylaxis Canada.

I have also started doing product/restaurant reviews on the following link...http://http://peanutsallergy.wordpress.com/2010/08/30/the-keg-accomodated-above-and-beyond/

You can also follow us on twitter at...http://http://twitter.com/PeanutAllergie
And you can also add us on facebook under BCAnaphylaxisRun. We are also still recruiting volunteers so if you're interested message me and I'll get back to you with details.

We hope that any of you bloggers who read this, are able to attend our Run. Our website will be up and running soon and I will post a link once it's completed.

I thank each and every one of you for your continued support. We are all in this together.

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Important Links and reads

I know I am absolutely terrible at keeping my blog updated...I really will try to make more of an effort.

Here are some important links...
The first one is a petition created by Elizabeth Goldenberg of OneSpot Allergy. The DOT was origanally considering a "Ban Against Peanuts on Airlines". They pulled out of that proposal as they "need more proof". Please sign the petition, share the link, and leave you comments...


http://http://www.change.org/petitions/view/banning_peanuts_from_airlines%20



The second is a link for the Yankees Stadium to have a "Peanut Free Zone". The Seattle Mariners have one so others should follow.


http://http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=112463298771612



And 3rd is a Link to mine and my husbands facebook page called "Peanut Allergy and Anaphylaxis Awareness." There are many great links, articles and resources there.

http://http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=500402296#!/group.php?gid=112463298771612

Wednesday, June 16, 2010

Strength in Numbers...

So over the past week a lot has happened in the "Peanut Free World".

There is a "Ban Peanuts on Airlines" facebook page that I encourage all of you to join. A contact that I came across on our facebook page "Peanut Allergy and Anaphylaxis Awareness" had started up that group. Many are against the ban so lets pray that they will see the impact it has on lives of those suffering from this horrible allergy.

I think it's super important to remember that Peanuts is one of the #1 allergens. Meaning that this is one allergy that can potentially lead to death if not treated in time. If a person with this allergy flies on a plane that provides peanuts. How are they suppose to receive the proper care they need to survive. Denying them the right to fly isn't always fair as they too want vacations and need to go certain places like anyone else.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

A look into Our Life...
























































Lets Help Eachother!

So in the past little while, I'm come in contact with some great contacts.
I think as parents of children with life threatening allergies, or individuals with life threatening allergies it's important to educate ourselves, and others as much as we can so we can better protect those we love.

As i've mentioned before, my husband and I started a group on facebook called "Peanut Allergy and Anaphylaxis Awareness", we are also on twitter under "PeanutAllergie", from that group we came across a foodie in Germany. This individuals organization supplies allergy cards for dining out and such. What a great idea...it helps the staff understand what is okay and what is not...please check out their website at... www.delicardo.com
Also, on their facebook page feel free to post of a eating out experience you've had...was it good or bad, and how so??

Another contact I've across is a couple of twin boys down in the states...they are starting a non-profit for Peanut Detection Service Dogs called "Will Work for Peanuts"
Follow them on twitter @PeanutDog4Twins.
They are still starting out so are trying to raise $250K for this great cause.

If you fellow bloggers are part of an organization, or trying to start one, or know a loved one who would benefit, please look into both these great services!!
And I'd love to know more about you so please comment aware. Strength in numbers they say.

Have a good day everyone!

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

Another day...

So...I was just reflecting on the days where my husband and I (and even Brian from time to time) would enjoy peanut butter. It was affordable, somewhat healthy and tasty. Each morning I would enjoy a nice cup of coffee with peanut butter on toast.

The day Brian had his reaction drastically, and understandably I assume, changed my feelings on my old friend "peanut butter." It was no longer a pleasant memory but a painful one. Seeing what my son went through scared me enough to never eat that monster again. And I haven't. I don't think I'll ever eat peanut butter again, even if Brian one day grows out of his allergy.

It's sad, yet somewhat understandable that it's so commonly consumed in our society. Not just peanut butter, but peanuts and other nuts as well. I can't say I was ever a fan of the actual peanuts, but i did enjoy almonds. Since discovering Brian's allergy, the allergist warned us to stay away from all nuts, and treat Brian like he's allergic to those as well, since other nuts often have traces of peanuts.
On Mothers Day we went down to a popular park that has a nice peir, picnic area and toddler playground and water park. We went for our friends birthday...and I was frustrated by the carelessness of some individuals. We decided to take Brian onto the "sunny part" of the picnic area we were in so he could run around on the grass. Once we got there, there was a huge open bag of raw peanuts...and the people eating them left the shells all over the grass. Very careless.

So unfortunately we weren't able to let Brian run around in that area due to the closeness of the peanuts and them being scattered around. I really just wanted to yell at the people and ask what they were thinking...but then I realized..."they're NOT thinking" and why would they? They're not effected by peanuts the way our family is. Therefore they don't understand the severity of those actions.

To all of you reading this, if you ever eat peanuts in a playground, PLEASE be aware that there may be children with life threatening allergies. And not all these children understand the consequence of peanuts, so help them but not eating them, or leaving shells laying around.

This week is "Food Allergy Awareness Week"...help those with food allergies, especially the severe kind, and be thoughtful and mindful when you're around them. Wash your hands thoroughly, not just run under water or a quick wipe, and beware of what's on your lips if you kiss them...

Monday, April 26, 2010

Things you find out...

So, we are slowly getting used to this "new" lifestyle. And after researching MANY brands we are becoming a bit more comfortable with the whole eating "issue".
"May Contain Traces..." is the thing you really need to watch out for. But if something mentions nothing about traces, and doesn't list it in ingredients, still CALL THE COMPANY to confirm. A person posted on our facebook page "Peanut Allergy and Anaphylaxis Awareness" that a family member of his was severely allergic to peanuts, and ate some fruit off a fruit tray purchased at a grocery store. The fruit had NO mention of traces (why would it, if it's fruit, right?)...but when the family member ate it, soon after she was on the floor and by the time help had arrived, it was sadly too late.
Don't let this happen to you or your loved one, lesson learned. Even if it mentions NOTHING, CALL THE COMPANY to confirm.

Some brands we've been really impressed and pleased by are...
Nestle Baby food products (snack types especially). They work with the Anaphylaxis Network to try and ensure safe foods for baby's with such allergies. Impressive!
General Mills - Super helpful and mentioned if there's ever, any chance of cross contamination it WILL indeed mention "May contain traces..."
SunnyBoy Foods (Particularly flour) - Though they don't have nuts in their factory, they aren't considered "Peanut Free"
Quaker - "Peanut Free" is listed on all "Peanut Free Items" such as granola bars.
Breton Crackers - Made in a "Peanut Free Facility"!!
Dare Real Fruit Gummies - Made in a Peanut Free Facility

Many companies out there are "Nut Free" but they don't say it on the packaging for one reason or another. So take the extra few minutes and call to find out.