Personal Stories
Personal Stories are real life experiences of teens and college students who have food allergies and recollections from their friends. This is your opportunity to learn of the challenges, frustrations, and triumphs of others who have food allergies — just like you. Find out what went wrong for them, how they handled their situations, what they learned, and what they would definitely do differently next time.
Easy and Simple
The steps for using an epinephrine autoinjector seem so easy and simple. TAG member Vivian discusses a recent reaction and how reviewing the steps prepared her to respond to her allergic reaction.
A Wise Approach
Evan takes a look at his past experiences and offers his own unique advice to those who have recently been diagnosed with a food allergy.
Preparing to Live With Food Allergies
Sarah was recently diagnosed with new food allergies, and had to go through the learning process all over again. She relates some of the important lessons she has had to relearn.
When Life Gives You Lemons
When TAG member Emma was younger, she took a positive and proactive approach to managing her food allergies. Instead of feeling sad that she couldn’t eat the baked treats at school parties, she set out to make her own.
From the Heart
If you enjoy poetry, you might be interested in the poems submitted by a number of TAG members. The poems reflect their feelings on managing food allergies.
Choosing a College
Food allergies can make the search for the right college a headache. TAG member Ryan explains how he handled the process and found a great college to attend.
Hamburger Surprise
Read Courtney’s story about how she handled her embarrassing food allergy moment in school.
Developing a New Allergy
You are used to life in a certain way, managing a food allergy you have had for years, and then something changes: tingly, swollen lips. But you haven’t eaten anything containing your food allergen, or have you? Read Courtney’s experience about developing a new food allergy while away at college.
Discovering My Culinary Passion
“The best part of birthdays and school parties, for many kids, is the savory and delicious cupcakes, cookies, and cakes that are served at the celebration. However, my food allergy to peanuts and tree nuts made it difficult to enjoy the goodies that were available at the parties.” See how Emma developed her passion for baking.
Real-Life Food Allergies in College
Many people develop food allergies when they are very young, but that’s not always the case. Abby developed hers while in college. Read about how her friends and family helped her to manage her allergies.
Lending a Helping Hand
Best friends never let you down. Read how Crysta took it on herself to fend for her friend who has food allergies.
Going Out on the Town
Many young adults will tell you that their favorite part of college was the friendships they made. Laura shares her tips for staying safe while enjoying the party scene with friends.
Exercise-Induced Anaphylaxis
You might think it's hard to avoid the foods you're allergic to, but imagine if you had to avoid exercising within a certain time period — or otherwise risk having a severe reaction. Laura describes what it was like to be diagnosed with exercise-induced anaphyalxis.
Troubled over Teasing
Carlo writes about some classmates who just don't get how serious a food allergy can be.
We Want to Hear from You!
Have you overcome a big challenge in managing your food allergies? Did you have a severe reaction, but have learned an important lesson? Have your food allergies taught you to appreciate the people in your life? Send us your story so that other teens can read it and know they are not alone. In addition to helping others, you may even save a life!
