When I was in sixth grade, we had to choose an aspect of our life to write about. Many of my friends chose to write about a sport or activity they had played for many years, but I chose my life with allergies. I remember sitting down with my teacher for a writing conference and having her tell me that she wanted the title of my story to be “My Life As…” and that I needed to decide how to word it. While my friends had titles like “My Life as a Soccer Player,” I had chosen “My Life as an Allergic Reactor,” and therein lies the name.
What is an Allergic Reactor? Someone who “reacts” to their allergies by advocating for themselves. Who does what needs to be done to stay safe, while still doing everything they want to do and not allowing allergies to get in the way. It is how I have lived my life successfully with allergies, which is why I know others can, too! Sure, an Allergic Reactor always has the risk of an allergic reaction. An Allergic Reactor though, takes all the necessary precautions and knows what to do in case of a reaction without allowing this to stop her from experiencing all the incredible joys and rites of passage life has to offer (just maybe avoid that delectable chocolate cake covered in slivers of almond showcased in the bakery window)!
I am an Allergic Reactor, and now, so are many others. When I was growing up, I didn’t meet anyone with allergies similar to mine until I was 16 years old. Allergies continue to become more prevalent. As someone who has lived abroad for years, traveled the world, and grew up with regular childhood experiences like my non-allergic friends, my hope is that I can inspire parents of Allergic Reactors, as well as other Allergic Reactors out there to safely live a full life, even with allergies.
I hope you will enjoy reading my stories and share with me some of your own!
– Miss Allergic Reactor (a.k.a. Allie Bahn)
