I do want to share with you one point that she and I kept on returning to during our morning visit-the truly amazing gift of what education and advocacy can do. What the FAAN Walks are all about! We spoke many times about the challenge children and their families face trying to teach teachers, coaches, friends, etc about the real dangers of their food allergies. The repetitive nature of educating the people in their lives that "this"allergy means more than a need for a Kleenex, it may require the need for an emergency room. And then we spoke about the amazing people that along the way one can meet, those that somehow just "get it" and want to be a part of that child not feeling left out; that want to be a part of understanding; that live the concept "we ALL have something we are dealing with" and do not blink twice at changing what sandwich they are sending to school with their child, because his new best buddy has a food allergy.
It is with this in my mind that I was so moved by the comments on Keeley McQuire's blog site this evening. We are in cahoots with Keeley giving a case of SunWise sandwiches away in a drawing. So as I am surfing through the many comments from hopeful winners, genuinely touched by the many parents' comments about their excitement to give their child a new option in their lunches. But then I am reading one after the other posts from parents wanting to win the case so they can give it to someone they know who has a peanut allergy. I was instantly reminded of my conversation with Dana; how touching it is when someone without a food allergy is compelled to be involved, like the LV Walk Chair Chef Keith Norman. Just people who "get it" and are willing to share what they have learned
This is why I had to share with you Keeley's blog so you too can be touched by ALL these remarkable families wanting to do something good for someone they love and/or care about. We wish we could give a case to all the entrants; they are all already winners in so many other ways. You have inspired me...so keep watching...
link to Keeley's blog #c8266644069153408083
Gretchen, I cannot thank you enough for your support and kind words!
ReplyDeleteWhat you and SunWise have and are doing for the food allergy community is amazing!!
I am truly blessed to have gotten to know you and I cannot thank you enough for your continued efforts to help raise awareness and support the FAAN walk networks!!
First of all, the Gordins are simply blessings in our food allergy community and second Keeley is awesome and does great work in our food allergy world.
ReplyDeleteLastly, Sunwise helps make our food allergy world go round... I blogged about how your products keep our kid's safe during playdates: http://www.gratefulfoodie.com/be-safe-food-allergy-asthma-playdates/
Of course, I need to write a blog solely on the many uses of your product, but this is one important factor: play date ready food!
Thank you, again, Caroline! Through SunWise we have truly come into contact with some amazing people and companies. It is truly humbling to be a part of this community; such a hard working, dedicated group.
DeleteWe hope to bringing these little sandwiches out more this coming year..we will keep you informed for sure!!
Go Nuts for No Nuts!!