Hello everyone!
Strides For Safe Kids 2014 is beginning, and I'm trying to raise money to help other kids with food allergies, too. Since I was little, I have been allergic to all nuts, coconut, sesame, and sunflower seeds. It's really difficult to live that way. One of the scariest things for me is that it's not required for companies to list on their label if there is cross-contamination with tree nuts or seeds.
This year, it's been even more different. In January, I decided on becoming a vegetarian. This probably sounded like a crazy idea, but I care so much about animals. I feel that if I ate animals I would be supporting murderers. Animals are just as good as we are; they have emotions and thoughts just like us. Humans want to kill them only because (a) they taste good (b) we can't communicate with them, therefore they are considered to be worth less than us. The hardest part of being a vegetarian is getting enough protein in me because I'm allergic to nuts and seeds. I made it work. I eat a lot of soy and beans now!
Another change this year was that I got accepted into the FARE (Food Allergy Research and Education) Teen Advisory Group. It is a national group, but we mainly work within our region. 40 teens per region are selected. We mentor other kids with food allergies, help out at food allergy events, and support FARE's online resources. We also have the option to speak at certain events such as the Food Allergy Conference or the Teen Summit.
One thing I remember the most about food allergies over the years was that when I was little and had to go get my blood test to check my allergy levels (every other year), I would feel a great amount of hope. I'd get excited, because I didn't really understand; I felt on top of the world. This was because, of course, each time I would think my food allergies probably went away. As I got older, I finally understood how severe they were and are. They are hardly changing; in fact, sesame levels went up. Peanut levels are steadily >100, which is the highest severity possible. At this point, my food allergies are going to stick with me for a long time.
I've noticed that a lot of people feel bad for me, and I don't want it to be that way. I don't want to be the poor little girl or the starving puppy. All I want is for people to support these great organizations like FARE and KFA (Kids With Food Allergies Foundation), and now Strides For Safe Kids 2014! It means so much to me. They help families and other kids live safely with food allergies, and they even help research for that life-changing cure!
1 in 13 kids have at least one food allergy. I'm ready to help. Are you?
Kids With Food Allergies (KFA) educates families to prevent life threatening allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) and to be prepared to respond to allergic emergencies. Educating families and communities is essential to saving children’s lives and keeping them safe and healthy.
With your help, we will educate, support and advocate on behalf of children. Your gift will make a difference for the six million children affected by this potentially life-threatening disease. Thank you for taking Strides for Safe Kids!
Strides for Safe Kids Food Allergy Walk & Expo
| Supporters | |||
| Name | Date | Amount | Comments |
| Bud & Sherry Larson | 07/12/2014 | $50.00 | Your "Strides for Safe Kids 2014" letter was clear, compelling, and obviously heartfelt--and we are happy to join you in your passionate support of KFA! | Cindy Larson | 07/06/2014 | $25.00 | We support you Natalie and KFA!!! You are an amazing writer. | Janice McCollum | 07/06/2014 | $50.00 | Natlie You did a great job on your page. It is a terrific cause for all of us that have lived with allergies. I wish I was as talented as you are in your writing and technology. Love Grandma Janice |
| Total | $125.00 | ||
