March 31st, 2014 is the first annual Love Remembers Day – Celebration of Lives Lost to Anaphylaxis. This day is being dedicated to the memory of those in the food allergy community who have died from Anaphylaxis. For those who are not aware, Anaphylaxis is a serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may result in death. It typically involves one or more of the body’s systems, such as:
- Skin (hives, itchiness, swelling etc)
- Swelling (lips, throat, tongue)
- Respiratory (shortness of breath, wheezing, hoarseness, etc)
- Cardiovascular (cardiac arrest)
- Central Nervous System (headache, anxiety, loss of consciousness etc)
- Gastrointestinal (vomiting, cramping etc)
- Other (loss of bladder, pelvic pain, runny nose )
Love Remembers Day was created by Aleasa Word of Allergy Words Consulting, to honor and celebrate the adults and children who have lost their fight against food allergies. Today we, the food allergy community, wear teal and gold. Teal for the food allergy and gold to recognize the light and joy of those who have died. Aleasa has also created Flowers For Anaphylaxis, a Facebook page to help keep their memories alive.
As many of you may know my son has food allergies. I struggle every day with the fear that he will succumb to this horrible disease, but we are so very fortunate he has not. So many others are not. Today is for them. Today, please take the time to say a prayer for those who suffer from food allergies and those who have lost a loved one to Anaphylaxis. Only through awareness and diligence can we bring this illness to it’s knees. God bless...
FT&PD
Suz
I say a prayer for William every day, not only for the fight against allergies but to have “GOD” protect him and Emily at all times and keep them healthy. I have also said a prayer for those who lost the fight, may GOD be with their families.
Thanks Mom, I know those prayers help <3
Thanks for sharing and I will tweet it. My kids don’t have food allergies, but I can just image how scared I would be if they did. Everyday, hoping they would come back home from school and not hear that they are at the hospital.My prayers are with you.
Thank you so much Lyne, I appreciate it 🙂
Hugs! I know how near and dear this is possible in your life!! Spreading the word is the only way that people are going to understand the severity and fullness of the situation!! Keep on your march! You are doing great work and your son is very lucky!
Thank you so much Jenn, I appreciate the kind words and support 🙂
It is chilling to read this, Suzanne. I can’t imagine how it must feel to carry that fear for my child. There are enough things for parents to be concerned about. Hopefully as time goes on, it will make William a very alert and knowledgeable little guy about his allergies. In the meantime, he is only 4 years old and the concern is very real. Do children sometimes outgrow tree nut allergies?
Thank you for your support Brenda. It is helpful to know we have friends who take it as seriously as we do. Oddly enough people can outgrow peanut and tree nut allergies. I was so surprised when I found out, but it is possible. We just never know…
I am a school teacher and there isn’t a day that goes without me worrying about one of my students having a reaction. I like thinking that we live in a world where others consider those with allergies and are extra careful. I had no idea that Love Remembers Day existed. I’m happy that it does because it can make others more aware of how serious nut and food allergies are.
Thank you for that vigilance and support Ladena. I have several teacher friends and it is helpful to know and see just how important this is to each of them. Sending William to school was so extremely hard and it took me until after the Christmas break to feel secure, but it is getting better..
What a great day to remember and to bring awareness to a very serious condition!
It is a great way to honor those lost Kelly… Thanks for stopping in!
Totally agree Kelly 🙂
My son doesn’t have a food allergy but our good friend’s son does. I can’t imagine the sheer terror that must run through a mom of a child with an allergy.
It is getting better Stephanie, but there are so many unknowns out there..just makes it that more challenging..
It can be paralyzing Stephanie..
I have a few friends who have severe allergies. One of my close friends daughters is deathly allergic to a lot of different meats, eggs, etc. It’s scary! She can barely take her to the park to play with other kids.
That is so sad. These poor kids do have it extremely hard. Prayers for her <3
I have a few friends who have severe allergies. One of my close friends daughters is deathly allergic to a lot of different meats, eggs, etc. It’s scary! She can barely take her to the park to play with other kids!
So many different people struggle with food allergies! It is so important to raise awareness about how important allergies are and how deadly they CAN be! I swear some people think it’s just a myth! THEY NEED TO LEARN!
You are so right! It always amazes me when people think we are being overly dramatic about this. When a person’s life is on the line there is no such thing as being overly dramatic..
Thank you for acknowledging the day , supporting the families and sharing your knowledge to raise awareness.
I am so glad that you started Worldwide Love Remembers Day Aleasa, wonderful way to honor those lost <3
thanks for sharing!
🙂
My sons don’t have food allergies but I can imagine how worrisome this is for parents and teachers.
Yes, it truly is Veronica…
I pray for all patients to recover from their disease soon 🙁
Thank you Sania 🙂
My niece has two daughters with severe allergies and it,s great that i see more talk about it all the time.Awareness is the key !
Honestly we need to get this message out more,talk about it more even if you don’t have an allergy you should educate yourself.