Yes, this is quite overdue! I’m blaming it on Ike!!!
The walk was soooo fun! Earlier this year I started a food allergy support group for Houston area families. It’s SAFER Houston and it’s been growing by leaps and bounds! Thanks to the generosity of Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network and Mike Lade, Chairperson, who donated a table to us.
We had our table set up and Melissa, my co-leader, helped me man the booth. We had a presentation board that another member and I made as well as brochures that Melissa made and lots of business cards to hand out with our membership info on it. We wore our SAFER Houston T shirts that had our logo on them as well as the names of the people that we were walking for.
The weather was absolutely perfect! I was concerned about being outside for any period of time with Miles and his heat allergy. September in Houston is usually still very hot! However, we were lucky. The weather was sunny and mild.
Miles had a BLAST! There were lots of vendors there that cater to us families with food allergies. We got sno cones, Sunbutter samples, Crayons drink samples and lots of goodies from the Twinject and Epipen makers. Miles’ favorite booth, however, was Enjoy Life, the makers of his favorite cookies and the only chocolate chips he can eat. They had yummy samples of their new chocolate bar. Miles was in HEAVEN! His first ever chocolate bar! Did I mention that I love Enjoy Life?!?
Miles also had fun at the moonwalks. He spent most of his time over there:) It was so great to see all of the others who deal with severe food allergies. It makes you realize that you aren’t alone in your battle. I kept pointing out all of the kids with food allergies to Miles. It’s really important that he realizes that there are other kids just like him that can’t have pizza, cookies etc.
The walk itself was long and we didn’t make it. Miles got tired and we turned around about half way. Steve and Blake went the whole distance. Can I just mention that Blake was such a supportive big brother! He was so excited to do this for Miles and he was so happy to be there. It was heartwarming. Lance was less than thrilled but that’s ok!
Here are some pictures…
Melissa B., Trace, Me and Melissa M. at the SAFER booth
Our SAFER presentation board
The Food Allergy Festival
Getting ready to walk
Blake, Lance and Miles walking
Miles and H E Buddy
A big THANKS!!!!!! to all of you who donated to FAAN for our walk. Houston raised $188,000 for food allergies!!! Also, thanks to all of you family and friends who continue to support us each and every day. Having severe food allergies is life changing. I deeply appreciate all of the awareness and understanding that helps us keep Miles safe. It’s really hard not to feel like the social wet blanket but we have been so fortunate to have all of your love and support. Thanks from the bottom of my heart:)
