Sunday, June 15, 2008
I know this blog is titled "The Nut-Free Mom," but since today is Father's Day I wanted to give a shout out to my husband and all the fathers who help manage their children's food allergies.
You hear a lot from mothers on this issue, but I know a lot of Dads get very involved, too. For example, check out the recent work of Trace Adkins and Senator Christopher Dodd. Both of these dads have young children with severe food allergies and have been working to make a difference.
During Food Allergy Awareness week, both Senator Dodd and Trace Adkins participated in an education briefing on Capitol Hill and talked about public policy change regarding food allergies. These two guys are Food Allergy Superheroes who are also just dads who care about their kids. (And Trace, love that "Honky Tonk Badonkadonk.") And of course, Trace just appeared on "Celebrity Apprentice" in support of FAAN.
These two Dads are leading the charge in the fight to make sure that food allergies are dealt with and accepted in our society. But sometimes, the simple fact that a Dad remembers to bring the EpiPen to a picnic or helps the child feel safe at an allergy appointment makes all the difference to a child.
My husband tries to promote food allergy awareness wherever he goes. And he made the first call to our new school and quizzed the principal about how food allergies are handled. He often is the first to speak up about our daughter's condition when we go to a new restaurant. Most importantly, my daughter knows she can count on him.
What have the dads in your life done to help your child cope with their food allergies or help promote food allergy awareness? I'd love to hear your stories.
So, thanks to the dads for all they do. Happy Father's Day!