Running for Food Allergy Awareness

On May 31st, a team of 10 determined runners, including 2 incredible children, will take on the ING Marathon in Luxembourg. But they’re not just running for fitness or fun — they’re running for a cause that could save lives.

They’re running for children like Marie, who carry an adrenaline auto-injector to school every day. For teens like Sam, who has to check every label, every time. For families living with the constant anxiety that one wrong bite could lead to an emergency.

They’re running for Luxembourg Allergy Network (LAN) - a community-led non-profit raising awareness, offering support, and pushing for better education and preparedness around life-threatening food allergies.

Why This Matters

Food allergies aren't just an inconvenience - they can be fatal. Reactions can be triggered by trace amounts of allergens, often hidden in everyday foods. In Luxembourg, as in many places, awareness is still too low, and access to care, education, and support can be limited.

LAN was created to change that. We’re here to ensure:

But we can’t do it without your help.

What We’re Raising Funds For

Your generous donations will directly support:

✅ Allergy education materials for schools and families

✅ Awareness campaigns across Luxembourg

✅ Support groups and events for families

✅ Advocacy efforts for safer food labeling and emergency preparedness

Join Us in the Race

By supporting our runners, you’re not just cheering them on - you’re standing with thousands of individuals and families impacted by food allergies.

Whether you donate €5 or €50, every euro brings us closer to a safer, more informed, and more inclusive Luxembourg.

Let’s run this race together. Let’s build a community where no one’s allergy is underestimated.

Donate now. Share our story. Help us make every step count.

#RunningForLAN #AllergyAwareness #INGMarathon2025 #LuxembourgAllergyNetwork

Meet some of the runners and their families:

Pieter-Jan (running the semi-marathon) & family:

It all started when Elena was barely 2 years old. After merely tasting a little amount of hazelnut paste, her lips began to swell, and we were utterly clueless about what was happening. Little did we know how fortunate we were that her reaction hadn’t been worse this very first time. With further exams and provocation tests also came the reality check that her allergies are actually very severe and cover all tree nuts, sesame and pine nuts. Something as seemingly “innocent and healthy” as food could pose a life-threatening risk to our child.

The severity of her allergies highly impacts her life and while we do manage well at home, it gets tricky when we go out - friends, family, a restaurant - it remains hard to explain the risk.

We remain hopeful though. Elena now follows oral immunotherapy (OIT). A very demanding process for Elena, but she is motivated, and with this we hope to increase her tolerance levels and thereby limit the risk of a severe accident. However, so far, there is no cure. Until that day, we will always be worried that one little mistake could have devastating consequences.

We are grateful to being treated by a wonderful team at CHL and joining LAN also greatly benefited our understanding on how to manage food allergies on a day-to-day basis.

Tamara & Phil, running the semi-marathon. Story told by Tamara:

Just before Oliver’s second birthday, we visited friends, and I let him try a bite of cashew nut cake. Within moments, his eyes swelled, his nose ran, and he began to cry. I had no medication and didn’t know what to do. Thankfully, we had just enough time to get to our pediatrician before symptoms worsened - coughing, vomiting - clear signs of a severe allergic reaction. The doctor administered adrenaline, called the SAMU, and we were rushed to the hospital.

That was the moment our lives changed. After testing at the Kannerklinik, Oliver was diagnosed with severe allergies to all tree nuts and peanuts. We had no family history and knew little about food allergies. Suddenly, we had to carry emergency medication everywhere, read every food label, and explain the risks to family, friends, and restaurants - often met with confusion or a lack of understanding.

We had to train school staff, explain precautions before playdates and parties, and manage Oliver’s frustration at not being able to visit friends spontaneously. Everything had to be carefully planned.

With each new stage came new questions: How would school handle his allergies? Would he be excluded, bullied, or feel different?

We’re deeply grateful to the pediatric allergy team at the Kannerklinik. Thanks to oral immunotherapy - where Oliver consumes tiny, increasing doses of allergens under a strict protocal and regular consulations - he’s been building tolerance. At his last food challenge, he ate 11 cashews without reacting. It’s brought us hope, more freedom, and less anxiety.

Now 10, Oliver wants more independence - meeting friends in the village, going to the local shop. The therapy has made this possible, though he’ll always need to stay vigilant.

The support from Luxembourg Allergy Network has also been invaluable. In those early days, connecting with others who understood made all the difference. Knowing we weren’t alone gave us strength.

Carmo and Tereza, runing the mini-marathon. Story shared by their mum, Filipa:



My name is Filipa, and I’m a proud mother of three wonderful daughters. Carmo, my eldest, was diagnosed with a severe allergy to cashew nuts and pistachios at the age of two. We discovered her allergy during a terrifying episode when she reacted after tasting just a drop of cashew drink. Her face turned red, and she began vomiting - a moment that shook me to my core. It was then we realized the seriousness of her condition, and she was later referred to an allergist.

As first-time parents, navigating the reality of food allergies was overwhelming. We were prescribed an adrenaline pen and received an exhaustive list of precautions, transforming our daily routines. I struggled with guilt, questioning if I had done something wrong during my pregnancy. However, I eventually understood that my focus should be on providing a happy and healthy life for Carmo, regardless of her condition.

Adjusting to this new reality wasn’t easy, especially when Carmo faced challenges at her crèche, where she was placed on a special allergen-free diet. Yet, with my husband, Pedro, unwavering support, we learned to adapt, ensuring Carmo felt safe and loved while maintaining as much normalcy as possible.

Through it all, Carmo has taught me resilience and the importance of embracing life’s challenges head-on. Being a mother to her has been a journey of growth, and I am determined to give her the tools to lead a joyful, fulfilling life.