With everyone starting back to school, there has been so much shared on social networks around Food Allergies. I've been introduced to many new blogs and I've come to realize I don't seem to cover much of what others do. It seems, in my opinion, that there are many out there geared towards families already dealing with allergies. Therefore, they write about safe restaurants, recipes, tips, etc. Sometimes I share or touch on those, but I think I've managed to write to anyone and everyone, more so those without food allergies. As I reflect back on my posts, there's not too much for others in our shoes to learn from. It's a little more of the people looking in on families like ours - to see what we deal with, how we deal with it. My hope is to bring awareness and understanding to those not living in this food allergy community.
For those dealing with food allergies, I apologize if I haven't given you much to work with or shared awesome recipes. I DO have some, shoot me an email and I'll gladly share! My writing went a certain way and I've just stuck with it I guess. I really hope I never come across as negative or whiny or complaining...there are definitely moments of complaining, but overall - it's not my objective. It's hard. VERY HARD. I tell people my blog is very real and very raw, I make no apologies. I've been told I should try to keep some things private, for the sake of Killian. While I completely agree his medical info should not be public knowledge, I also feel I can't truly convey how serious and difficult his condition is without doing so.
We are not a family to hide in the background at a gathering and decline food. We are out there, in your face about his allergy. If you know me personally then you know I am not an in your face type of person. That is, unless I am fighting for something I truly believe in. My son's health and life is something I truly believe in.
There are some things I can't wait to share since Killian started kindergarten, as well as our latest Pub Crawl. It's all going well!
However, today, I'd rather share another issue with you and I'll return to food allergies next time :)
September is (ALSO) Pediatric Cancer Awareness Month. Sometime, nearly 3 years ago I came across the only blog I've ever read and it's stayed with me ever since. A mom writes of her family's struggles around pediatric cancer. As sad and heartbreaking their story is, I found a true appreciate for our own struggle. It has been my reminder of "it could always be worse". Another mom who writes raw and real feelings about her young boy, so people like me can better understand without it.
There simply is not enough being done for children with cancer. There is not enough known to help them. We can avoid food to keep Killian alive, until a cure is discovered. But these families cannot do anything for their children. I am asking you to step out of your comfort zone and read about Ty. Or buy some shoelaces for your child's soccer or football team to support Pediatric Cancer research.
www.superty.org
These children deserve a fighting chance. I promise it is worth the read. If you don't think you can handle, think of the moms and dads that didn't think they could handle the diagnosis and yet they are. Ty passed last October. His parents have made it their life to preserve his name and fight for a cure.
We all have our struggles that God has handed down. I'm thankful we have full support in dealing with Killian's. Please show Ty's family and the many like them some of the same support. They have some great events going on and the family is not far - Westchester, NY.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. God bless.
