My Food Allergy Story
The Cookie That Changed Everything
Food allergies are not just something I live with, they helped shape the course of my life.
I have multiple life-threatening food allergies (anaphylaxis) to peanuts, tree nuts, fish, and shellfish. After developing food allergies as an adult over 25 years ago, I experienced multiple episodes of anaphylaxis and was resuscitated twice.
One of those medical emergencies occurred on June 5, 1999, while I was six months pregnant with my son Cameron. After unknowingly eating a chocolate chip cookie containing walnuts, I went into near-fatal anaphylactic shock. Surviving that experience—and protecting my unborn son—forever changed my perspective on life, gratitude, preparedness, advocacy, and purpose.
That cookie changed everything.
What could have been a tragedy became a calling.
For more than two decades, I have dedicated myself to helping children, families, schools, restaurants, organizations, and communities better understand food allergies and anaphylaxis. My mission is simple: to help people live safer, fuller, and more confident lives while creating a world where everyone feels included and supported.
I am proud to serve as a spokesperson and board member for the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Connection Team (FAACT) and have worked alongside leading organizations to increase awareness, education, and advocacy efforts.
My advocacy has also included a long-standing partnership with MedicAlert®. I was featured on the cover of MedicAlert Magazine, which was distributed to more than one million readers, and helped raise awareness about the importance of medical identification for individuals living with severe allergies. I proudly wear a MedicAlert bracelet every day.
In 2020, I partnered with bestselling children's author Sally Huss to create the bestselling children's books A Lesson For Every Child: Learning About Food Allergies and Dream Big with Food Allergies. These books help children better understand food allergies while encouraging confidence, inclusion, safety, and self-advocacy.
Food allergies also inspired the creation of Food Allergy Zone, a resource dedicated to helping families navigate life with food allergies one day at a time. Through articles, books, interviews, advocacy, education, and community support, I continue to help people discover that a food allergy diagnosis does not have to limit a full and meaningful life.
Perhaps most importantly, food allergies taught me that small acts of kindness can change lives. For years, my family and I have baked and donated nut-free chocolate chip cookies to children, families, schools, charities, and communities across the United States. What began as a personal response to a life-changing event became a symbol of inclusion, belonging, hope, and peace.
Because everyone deserves a seat at the table.
Read My Article Allergy Force: https://www.allergyforce.com/post/food-allergies-you-do-not-have-to-live-small
Food Allergy Zone
Living Safely. Leading Boldly. Rooted in Real Life.
Food allergies are not theoretical in my life.
They are daily, lived, and real.
I live with multiple life-threatening food allergies. For over 30 years, I have navigated emergency rooms, social events, travel challenges, restaurant conversations, and the constant need to advocate and sometimes in rooms where I was the only one who understood the seriousness of what was at stake.
Food allergies shape decisions most people never have to think about.
They shape trust.
They shape communication.
They shape how you move through the world.
And they can feel isolating.
Food allergies change how we move through the world, but they don’t have to change who we are.
Why I Created Food Allergy Zone
Because of that lived experience, I created Food Allergy Zone. I wanted a space that moved beyond fear and into empowerment.
A space where safety and dignity coexist.
A space that blends practical guidance with compassion and clarity.
Food Allergy Zone exists to support individuals and families navigating food allergies with confidence, education, and real-world tools.
This is not alarmist advocacy.
It is informed, steady, empowered living.
Advocacy begins the moment we decide our safety matters.
Advocacy & Education
In addition to writing and speaking about food allergies, I serve as a spokesperson and board member with FAACT (Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Connection Team) and spokesperson for MedicAlert Foundation, advocating for stronger awareness, education, and safer communities nationwide.
Food allergies require vigilance. But they do not have to define or diminish your life.
With the right support, it is possible to live fully, confidently, and peacefully.
Books by Sally Huss and Elizabeth Hamilton-Guarino
Children’s Books That Build Confidence and Understanding
Education changes everything.
For children living with food allergies, and for the friends, classrooms, and communities around them, understanding creates safety. It also creates empathy, inclusion, and confidence.
That’s why I co-created a series of children’s books designed to help kids feel informed, supported, and empowered.
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Learn
A foundational story that helps children understand what food allergies are, why they matter, and how to support friends who live with them.
This book creates early awareness, reduces stigma, and encourages compassion in classrooms and homes.
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Dream
A reminder that food allergies do not limit a child’s dreams.
This empowering story helps children see that while they may need to navigate the world carefully, they can still live boldly, confidently, and fully.
Travel
Travel can feel overwhelming for families managing food allergies.
Max’s Big Adventure helps children understand preparation, communication, and safety while reinforcing courage and resilience.
Because adventure is still possible — even with careful planning.
Why These Books Matter
Children deserve both protection and possibility.
These stories help:
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Build confidence in children with food allergies
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Educate peers and classmates
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Support schools and caregivers
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Encourage empathy and inclusion
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Normalize advocacy in age-appropriate ways
Food allergies require awareness.
But childhood should still feel expansive.
Even with food allergies, we can live boldly, gratefully, and peacefully.
The Mindset Matters
Food allergies require more than vigilance. They require strength, alignment, and peace under pressure.
My Guidebook Series and Percolate offer the mindset tools that support families navigating change, redefining success, and practicing peace in everyday life — especially when life feels uncertain.
Because managing food allergies isn’t just about safety. It’s about living fully, confidently, and with gratitude.
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Who Food Allergy Zone Is For
This space is for:
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Parents navigating a new diagnosis
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Teens and adults advocating for themselves
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Schools and educators seeking guidance
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Anyone who wants to better understand the reality of food allergies
If food allergies touch your life in any way, you belong here.
Every label read, every question asked, every boundary set — these are quiet acts of protection and love.
Visit Food Allergy Zone
Food Allergy Zone is a dedicated platform with expanded resources, education, and advocacy tools.
Because safety matters.
Because education matters.
Because your life is bigger than your allergies.
