08/23/2026
"When we prepared for our first child, it never crossed our minds that food allergies might become part of our story. At six months old, we gave our daughter, Eliza, peanut butter for the first time. Within minutes, she broke out in hives from head to toe. We were completely unprepared. We went to urgent care, received steroids, and were referred to an allergist. Then I started learning everything I could. I Googled, researched, followed other allergy families, and tried to understand a world I never expected to enter.
A month later, Eliza had an accidental exposure. Thankfully, we have avoided another exposure for the past two years, but food allergies have changed the way we experience everyday life.
Eliza attends part-time school. We bring our own food to parties. I pack a meal for her when we go out most of the time. Holidays, celebrations, restaurants, and family gatherings all require a level of planning we never imagined. You begin to realize just how much American culture revolves around food, and how difficult it can be when something as ordinary as a snack can pose a serious risk to your child.
When I became a mom, I never imagined the word “allergy” would become part of my identity as a parent. But it is a role I am grateful to have if it means advocating for my daughter.
She is not yet two and a half years old, and she can already say, “I am allergic to peanuts.” We have found books and resources that have helped us teach her about her allergy in an age-appropriate way, including Daniel Tiger. Hearing our little girl say those words is both heartbreaking and empowering. She is learning to advocate for herself before she is even old enough to fully understand what an allergy means.
We never expected food allergies to be part of our story. But they are now, and we are learning to navigate them one day, one meal, one birthday party, and one holiday at a time.
I would never choose this for my daughter. But I will always choose to advocate for her." - Hannah
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