As a nine-month-old, I experienced a life-threatening reaction where my throat swole and I broke into hives. I was immediately rushed to the emergency room where I was diagnosed with food allergies to eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, and shellfish.

Ever since my allergic reaction as an infant, my parents have taken precautions to keep me safe, such as carrying an epinephrine with them at all times, speaking to the chef at restaurants about avoiding cross contamination, double-checking the ingredients to every food item, and making sure to sanitize after touching or eating an allergen.

However, as I grew older, I realized that the burden of my food allergies became more of my responsibility. For the first time in over 15 years, I experienced a traumatic allergic reaction to a food item that I have always enjoyed. I had informed the restaurant about my food allergies prior to the event, but there were still traces of peanuts in my food. And unfortunately, I am not alone as food allergies have impacted 32 million Americans, sending someone to the emergency room ever three minutes.

Though this experience was beyond scary, it inspired me to raise awareness about the severity of food allergies and push for a cure or treatment.

That is why I'm raising funds for FARE to help them improve the quality of life and the health of individuals with food allergies, so that no one has to endure a similar experience to mine.

DONATE NOW- any amount helps! My goal is to raise as much money as possible to help FARE fund food allergy education programs, advocacy and awareness initiatives, and world-class research. Together, we can create a better future for all who are person by food allergies!

All the best,
Savanna