Food is such a meaningful way for people to connect. It brings people together at celebrations, during travel, around a dinner table, and in so many everyday moments.

Food has shaped our lives too, but in a very different way.

“Privilege is not always about what you have. Sometimes, it is about what you never have to worry about.”

Over the years, we have realized what a privilege it is to never have to worry about food.

Not at birthday parties or social gatherings.

Not while traveling.

Not when choosing a restaurant.

Not when trying something new.

Not having to go about your day worrying that one wrong bite could lead to a serious reaction and require emergency care. Not having to think about how far you are from the nearest hospital.

For us, these are not abstract thoughts. These fears are very real, part of our lives, and something we navigate every day.

Our 10-year-old has several food allergies, and learning to live with them has been a process. It means carrying medicine wherever she goes, reading labels carefully, thinking about cross-contact, and sometimes saying no when something does not feel safe.

As she gets older, she is taking more responsibility for her own safety, asking questions, speaking up, and advocating for herself.

We are very fortunate to have friends and family who understand and include her, but we also see how much more awareness is still needed.

This month, she is taking on FARE’s 33-Mile Challenge in honor of the 33 million people in the U.S. living with food allergies.

And I am doing it with her. For every mile she walks, runs, or bikes, I will do a mile too.. because we are in this journey together.

FARE supports food allergy research, treatments, education, and advocacy to help make life safer and more inclusive for families like ours.

If you would like to support her challenge, your donation would mean so much to us.

Thank you for standing with her, and with all the families navigating food allergies every day. ❤️