Food is social. It offers comfort. Celebrations center around eating together. Religions use food in worship. Unfortunately, for fifteen million Americans, food is dangerous. It is the source of constant fear and stress. The immune systems of food-allergic individuals attacks these foods as "foreign."

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As some of you know, I have many severe food allergies. I am allergic to wheat, soy, corn, tree nuts, peanuts, sesame, lentils, chickpeas, carrots, celery, beans, peas, pumpkin, and fruit, amongst other things. Due to my wide range of allergies, and because I am allergic to many staple ingredients, it is extremely difficult for me to find food that I can safely consume. On Saturday, October 28th, I am walking in Food Allergy Research and Education’s (FARE’s) Food Allergy Heroes Walk - Boston. I chose to do this walk not simply because I have numerous food allergies, but because I have experienced first-hand the terrible reactions a food-allergic individual endures when they consume an “offending item.” I have gotten severely ill, developed hives and rashes, had my tongue swell, throat close, passed out, etc. I carry an epi-pen with me at all times. I plan out every day around when and where I will be able to eat.

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I am participating in in this walk to raise awareness for food allergies and to raise money for research and for the assistance of those suffering from food allergies. There are many things in the world of which to be afraid and worry; food should not be one of them. In walking on October 28th, I am walking for the hope that one day in the near future, others will not fear food the way I do, that all children and adults will be able to freely dine at a friend’s home or go out to eat at a restaurant (for people like me, restaurants are nearly impossible), and that people will not have to worry about nutrient deficiencies because of their restricted diet.

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That being said, the reason I am writing to all of you is to ask for your generosity in my effort to fight food allergies. If you are interested, you can join my team and/or make a donation by clicking the "Visit My Walk Page" button, below, and then the "Join My Team" or "Donate to Amanda" buttons, respectively. Any amount you are willing to donate would be so incredibly appreciated and would touch me very deeply. This is an issue that has been and will forever be near and dear to my heart and one in which hopefully I can make a difference. Thank you so very much for reading this and even considering supporting me.

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