The SpecialMoms Parenting Magazine 1st Issue | Page 22
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Feature Article
when I had the peanut butter sandwich for lunch, both
initially subsiding and experts recommend an
of my boys have had a severe anaphylactic reaction.
observation period of about 4 hours to monitor
We actually almost lost my youngest as he went into
that the reaction has been resolved.
anaphylactic shock. It’s a memory that often haunts
my dreams and still brings tears to my eyes. You can
read all about his last anaphylactic reaction here.
Sadly, food allergies are on the rise. If you don’t know
someone who has food allergies now, chances are in
the next few years you will. Here are some food allergy
statistics taken from FARE: Food Allergy Research and
Education...
• Eight foods account for 90% of all reactions: milk,
eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, soy, wheat, fish and
shellfish. Even trace amounts of a food allergen
can cause a reaction.
As with any child with special needs, the parents
are the greatest advocates. If we don’t advocate
for our children and their needs, who will?
• Food allergies affects 1 in every 13 children
In our
case, if we don’t educate those who care for our
(under 18 years of age) in the U.S. That’s roughly
little men about their allergies and they give them
two in every classroom.
one of their allergens then they truly only have a few
• Every 3 minutes, a food allergy reaction sends
someone to the emergency room – that is more
than 200,000 emergency room visits per year.
• Symptoms of anaphylaxis may recur after
short minutes to respond with epinephrine before we
could lose them forever. Are you advocating for your
child? By doing so you’re not only helping your child
but all of the other children who struggle with the
same need. u
About the Author: Lauren Kossack is the founder and author of the blog, “Our Life as an
Epi-Family.” On “The Epi-Family,” Lauren writes with a mix of vivid stories, food allergy news, recipes,
parenting tips, and questions of faith. Lauren bares her heart as she shares her family’s struggles,
victories and daily adventures. She is a proud wife and mom to two young boys who have lifethreatening food allergies who appear often on her blog. She graduated from Anderson University
in Anderson, Indiana, where she studied voice performance and management. Along with writing,
blogging, creating new allergy-free recipes and being a wife and mom, Lauren also teaches private
voice and piano lessons out of her home. Lauren and her family currently live in Indianapolis, Indiana.
For more information about Lauren and her family, visit www.epifamily.com
22 The SpecialMoms magazine ~ Winter 2014