My name is Kylene Fitsik and I was born with anaphylaxis. I am deathly allergic to dairy, eggs, and peanuts, and I have faced life-threatening reactions (anaphylactic shock) four times. Those experiences changed everything for me. Food allergies are not a preference or a minor inconvenience. They are a constant test of vigilance that touches every part of life—social life, traveling, school events, family meals and gatherings, always reading ingredient labels while grocery shopping, medical care, and even trusting that the food I eat is safe. Often times people don’t realize how my food allergies are life or death. I always have to carry an EpiPen with me, and my medical alert bracelet. I am unable to eat out at restaurants due to the fear of cross-contamination. In some instances, servers at restaurants will mention they can talk to the chefs and kitchen staff to accommodate me, but the risk of me going into anaphylactic shock is too high, when there could easily be a slip up of contamination.

I share my story because awareness matters and it will always be a lifelong challenge for me. Many people do not understand how food allergies shape daily choices and create real fear and anxiety for those living with them. I want others to know that these reactions can be fatal and that better research, education, and advocacy can save lives and ease the burden on families like mine. FARE’s work to fund research and spread education gives people like me hope for safer days ahead.

When I think about the future, I imagine a world where fewer families face the same constant balancing act between risk and survival. Supporting FARE helps fund life-changing research, builds stronger community awareness, and pushes for policies that protect people with food allergies. Every step forward means fewer emergencies, more confidence, and a better quality of life for those of us who live with this reality every day.

Please join me in supporting FARE. Your gift will help drive research, expand education, and advocate for safer communities for everyone living with food allergies. Donate today and be part of bringing real change and protection to those who need it most.