Challenges!

It's been a very long time since my last post, I'm well aware...in that time I've had a relative move out went through a healthy pregnancy, have had a little girl move in with us, and everything in between!

Not too much to report in the allergy world, for us. We've had some more pub crawls, great time as always! Planning another for this fall, and let's not forget the annual walk coming up!  September 6th at The Crossings, Albany NY.

Right now we're getting ready for first grade, having meetings regarding cafeteria, snack time, and the dreaded bus.

In case you've been living off the grid for the past couple months I'll fill you in on the biggest fad sweeping the nation - the ALS ice bucket challenge. People everywhere are dumping ice cold water over their heads and donating money in the name of awareness. I must admit, I didn't get the ice water part at first. I thought these people were skipping out on donating but I've since learned more (and they're supposed to donate even if they get iced). And I'll say it - it's genius. Someone came up with the perfect idea to bring awareness to something near and dear to them. (I opted out of the getting iced when I was nominated but I did donate.)

It made me think - how can we bring more awareness and funds to Food Allergies!?!? I'm envious, I would love to do 1% of what the ALS challenge has brought in. At last check, I read $41 million has been raised since the ice bucket challenge started.  Our pub crawls are certainly adding to our cause, just on a much smaller proportion. So I feel inspired to try something like the ALS challenge. I don't expect it to catch on and go viral but I'm hoping it helps!

The top 8 food allergens in the USA are: Peanuts, Tree nuts, Dairy, Wheat, Shellfish, Soy, Fish, and Egg.

My challenge is for you to choose ONE of these foods and avoid it for 48 hours. Check labels, ask at restaurants, substitute where needed - the "whole shabang". And in addition to that, I ask that you donate ANY $ amount you'd like to FARE. I'll post our page but it really doesn't matter - it all goes to the same place.  http://www.foodallergywalk.org/faf/search/searchTeamPart.asp?ievent=1101993&lis=1&kntae1101993=E9907F5F03864B328F1DC9785D8DC1B4&team=5898941#sthash.ZtZF5DDM

So please consider this, take it to heart, and nominate others to do the same. I have a few friends that live this lifestyle daily, just like us. Obviously you'll never experience the symptoms of a life threatening allergy (unless you have one of course) but just the stress of eating to live, checking everything there is! And fish or shellfish may SEEM like an easy option...but you'd be surprised!

Thank you for reading and I hope you say "Challenge ACCEPTED!"

Happy and healthy eating!

Amber