Hello Allergy World!

Hi!

I’m starting up this blog because I have a perspective on food allergies that doesn’t seem to be represented very much.  I am the mom to two wonderful boys who both have food allergies, and I also have food allergies myself.  That’s why I’m calling this 2^nd Generation Allergy Mom, because allergies look a little different when viewing them from both sides of the coin.

My eldest son started kindergarten last month, and so food allergies have been on my mind a lot more than they used to be.  Allergies are soooooo much better understood now than they were when I was a kid, but recent experiences are proving that there’s still a long way to go.  That’s part of why I want to start this blog, to strike up the conversation on these issues and help myself articulate them better.

So hi!

My name is Eileen Rhoadarmer, and I have a severe allergy to tree nuts.  I also have asthma.  Despite this, I survived to adulthood and passed my flawed genes on to my two amazing sons (even though I picked a spouse with no allergies of his own. Bleah.)  Zax (not his real name) is almost six and started kindergarten this year.  He is allergic to egg, peanut, and possibly Brazil nut.  Kal (also not his real name) is three, in preschool, has asthma, and is allergic to peanut.  They, of course, aren’t allergic to the same foods I am because then life would just be a little too convenient.

I am a stay-at-home-mom for my kids.  I also write adult science fiction and children’s books, although my publication list is quite spare.  And as of this year, I am embarking down the path of entrepreneurship, which is as frightening as anything else I have ever done.

I don’t know how many people will be interested in my views, but I’m hoping to join the online food allergy community with my unique perspective and get some conversations going!