As parents reading this letter, it’s been written to children who are newly diagnosed, and generally ages 7 – 12. I’m sure older kids, or kids with an established diagnosis can appreciate the content as well.
Dear Kids,
So you’re allergic (or intolerant) to something. You may not be able to eat some foods that you really enjoy.
In case you don’t know, I’m Kathlena, The Allergy Chef. I’m allergic and intolerant to more than 200 foods and can’t drink most water. I also have contact and airborne reactions. That respirator you see me wear? It’s so I can leave the house safely. Here’s what I NEED you to know: There’s more to life than food.
Food can be fun, delicious, and a whole other host of adjectives. However, at its core, it’s fuel. It’s there to keep us going, and it’s up to us what we make of it. If you look at your safe food and think about how much you don’t like it, you won’t like it. BUT!! Take another look at that safe foods list. This is the list that is going to sustain you and provide that fuel to keep doing all those fun things that make being a kid amazing. This is your chance to play with your food and get creative. Challenge yourself to see how many different creations you can make with that list.
Your diagnosis does NOT define you, make you less-than the next person, or make you a bad person. Your diagnosis also doesn’t make you picky or difficult. Don’t let other people project their incorrect thoughts on to you. You’re awesome, and you can do BIG things in life. If you want to be a chef, astronaut, teacher, or anything in between, go for it. Don’t ever let the diagnosis hold you back. See it instead as an opportunity to create a new solution, maybe one that can help others in the future as well.
Know this now: not everyone will be accepting of you. Other kids, and even some adults, might make fun of you. You can choose to respond politely and educate them, or just walk away. My respirator has brought me a lot of discrimination. People have said some pretty cruel things… and they don’t even know my name. That’s just life. There are so many immature people in the world who never really grew up and I’m sure you’ll meet a few. Remember, they don’t define you. They don’t even know you.
Since you’re new to the diagnosis, do me a favor? Take some time to think about your loss. It’s OK to feel sad/down about it. We live in a world where food is everywhere. It’s at parties and special events, it’s the center-point at holidays, and much more. You’re now entering a world where you will be pretty different from everyone else, but remember, that doesn’t make you any less awesome.
That’s why I say there’s more to life than food. I’m sure you have other hobbies and talents you can talk about. Things like LEGO, dancing, singing, art, science, and so much more.
Now, I have a few of tips I have to share with you. Tip one: It’s OK to ask a lot of questions at a restaurant (or at a friend’s house when they offer you food). This is your health and safety. The people at the restaurant, it’s their job to answer your questions. You’re not bothering them, I promise. And, if they ever make you feel that way, find a new place to eat. Repeat after me:
I AM NOT A BURDEN.
Tip number two: Don’t downplay a reaction. If you’re having an allergic reaction, tell someone ASAP. I don’t want to scare you, but you need to know that previous reactions don’t predict future ones. In some people, reactions get worse (or more severe) over time with each exposure. So, always play it safe and get help ASAP.
Tip number three: Being sick isn’t worth it. Some people like to say a little won’t hurt. There are some kids who engage in risky behaviour and eat something they shouldn’t. Trust me: being sick from food isn’t worth it. I spent most of my life REALLY sick from food before anyone knew what was wrong with me. I then spent years trying to recover, still being sick almost every single day. Getting to neutral, eating safe food, it’s worth it. Take your safe ingredients and make magic with them.
There’s SO MUCH safe and delicious food in the world, I promise. I personally only have 9, yes NINE safe ingredients to cook and bake with. I eat cookies, muffins, steak, smoothies, fruit leather, and so much more. It’s about having the right tools, creativity (or access to recipes), and not giving up.
Finally, I want you to know that you’re not alone. I’m here right there with you, along with MILLIONS of other people all around the world that have a food allergy and/or intolerance. If you ever feel like no one gets you, shoot me an email (as long as it’s OK with your parents). Tell me what you’re struggling with, and I’ll do my best to help you on your journey.
Now, after you’ve thought about the diagnosis, take a look at the Advanced Recipe Search here on RAISE. Plug in your restrictions, then pick something delicious to make. Let’s get busy living and have a fun time with all things safe and delicious.
You got this kiddo,
Kathlena
~The Allergy Chef
