Aleister's Allergy Journey

My name is Aleister, my nickname is Mr. A, I am a brave and incredibly spirited 6-year-old boy who has captured the hearts of everyone I meet with my infectious smile, laughter, friendly nature, and a talent for telling jokes that can brighten even the gloomiest of days. I love my family so very much, including my two older sisters and baby brother, who I am the only one who is able to get him to laugh. However, beneath my cheerful exterior, I face a daily battle with severe allergies and debilitating asthma, which have not only landed me in the emergency room, which is scary, but it has also limited my ability to play outside, experience birthday parties, visit my friends’ houses and even sit with friends during school lunch. The daily stress and anxiety of the ER visits and constantly having to be hyper aware of all and any food I am near, or eating is wearing on me and it makes me sad and I cry a lot at night before bed and I sometimes can’t sleep. My mom told me about a place that can make that all go away and I am SO excited!

Aleister's Struggle:

Aleister's allergies are not just your everyday run-of-the-mill sensitivities. He suffers from multiple severe allergies that have led to terrifying episodes of anaphylaxis, particularly when it comes to certain foods. These life-threatening allergic reactions have put him in the ER more times than any child should have to endure. Sitting in his hospital room seeing stickers that say High Mortality Rate and with notes saying “high probability of imminent life threatening deterioration” and seeing the worry in the nurses’ eyes was the worst experience I have ever had as a mother, and I wish with all my heart that he and I will never have to go through that again by going through this program. Alongside his food allergies, Aleister has severe asthma, which is exacerbated by his allergies, making it even more challenging for him to breathe freely and comfortably. Our last Thanksgiving and Christmas was spent in the PICU for a week with severe hypoxemic respiratory failure and we were told that they will have to possibly intubate him if his oxygen levels didn’t go up. I was told that if they had to do that, he would have irreversible damage that would affect his talking, swallowing and eating. I am grateful that that was not the case. However, he now needs to use steroid inhalers which has also affected him mentally and physically and are not able to be a support for him long term.

The Road Ahead:

We are determined to provide him with the best care possible where he isn’t poked, prodded or scared; and that care would be The Food Allergy Institute, renowned for its expertise in treating severe food allergies and associated conditions. The institute is located in Long Beach, CA and he will be doing the Tolerance Induction Program (TIP) Our goal for Mr. A is to give him the freedom to eat whatever foods wherever he wants without fear of reaction. Getting into this program means he can also cure his asthma that is induced by environmental allergies with a spray rather than a cheaper program that he will need multiple shots within short periods of time.

Why We Need Your Help:

While the Food Allergy Institute is a dream come true, the costs associated with Aleister's treatment, including consultations, specialized medications, and therapies, are overwhelming for his family due to our medical insurance not covering the cost. Medical, travel and hotel expenses for this treatment are where we need your support.

Your Contribution Matters:

Your contribution, no matter how big or small, will not only help to alleviate the financial strain on our family but also bringing a whole new future to Aleister where he can continue to be the happy, funny guy whose smile makes the world so much brighter. It will also make a significant impact in alleviating his constant fear of severe allergies and asthma attacks.

Together, we can make a world of difference in his life allowing him to breathe easier, laugh harder, and live his happiest smileyest life.

Thank you for your kindness, generosity and support!