About

Food Allergy Assistant

Joanne LaSpina, M.A.
Food allergies were an uninvited and unwelcome guest in our home. They arrived with little warning when we took our then 10 month old son to the doctor for rashes around his mouth. Allergy testing showed severe allergies to dairy, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, wheat, soy and oats. Suddenly we had to investigate and question every food and beverage to cross our child's lips. Planning menus became a top priority. We also came to realize that many soaps, shampoos, cosmetics, vaccines, medicines and other products contained potentially dangerous food allergens. There were risks everywhere. The responsibility was, and is, enormous.

As parents, we bear the ultimate responsibility for the safety of our food allergic child. As he has gotten older, though, we find that others will share this responsibility with him and with us. We are using what we have learned to educate others about food allergy. We want to assist others who typically don't have to think about reading every label or planning every party, trip and meal to the smallest detail.

The Food Allergy Assistant is for all who care about someone with a food allergy:

• parents
• grandparents
• aunts
• uncles
• teachers
• classroom helpers
• coaches
• scout leaders
• neighbors
• friends
• nurses
• doctors
• restaurant workers
• and others...

This site was developed to educate others. It's a way to pass on what we have learned, as well as to provide an opportunity to learn from one another.

Together we form the safety net...until there is a cure.

Information on this site is for informational purposes only. Please contact your healthcare provider with specific medical questions.