Complete outrage. That is all I can feel. Rarely do I put this much emotion out there for those other than close friends and family to see, but this just sent me over the edge and needed to be shared with my food allergic family.As you know, school has started with Alexis entering the 4th grade and Ryan 1st. Although Alexis' situation is much more severe than Ryan's, the school staff, my husband and I seem to have set up a safety system that (thank God) is not only keeping Alexis safe but allowing her to learn and thrive like any other child. In addition, the other children at her grade level and above are extremely supportive, respectful and things almost seem pretty routine.
Ryan on the other hand is entering 1st grade and although has an amazing teacher (in fact Alexis had her for 3 consecutive years and is completely understanding and trained in our situation), this is the big world and he is a different kid. My "Ry Guy" is much more reserved and is extremely sensitive to chaos and uncertainty which of course comes with the first week of school - especially for the little kiddos.
Okay, get to the point.
Ryan, who has allergic reactions to eggs, tree nuts, peanuts, shell fish and mustard is only starting to show signs of anaphylaxis to dairy and his asthma is only illness induced. Therefore, his requirements at school do not warrant the level at which Alexis must be cared for. Nonetheless, Ryan does sit at the allergy safe table and because this is the first week and the staff is on a new schedule there has been some confusion among the little ones who can sit with him, and Ryan is too young to properly articulate his need for space.
My solution for now...I will have lunch with Ryan at school until the routine is set. In addition, the nurse, school psychologist and I thought it be best to make a laminated sign for the table with pictures (versus words) so those not able to read can understand this is a special table free from dairy, eggs and nuts. Great!
Well here it comes - while discussing this with the district nurse, I learned that a new child to our district with a peanut allergy entered a school where there were no other allergic children. The school set up a peanut free table and not only did that child sit alone but other children threw peanuts onto the "safe" table (not clear if the child was present at the time)! Unfortunately, the school does not know who did this so charges can not be filed but other parents of food allergic children learning of this event are refusing safe tables for fear of this type of reaction.
When are people going to learn - THIS IS NOT A LIFE STYLE CHOICE. Just as you did not chose to have brown hair or green eyes (for example), these children with life threatening food allergies did not ask for this and would give anything to not fear for their lives for your right to eat a peanut butter sandwich.
Children with this life threatening food allergies want to live normal lives. They have the right to go to school in a safe and healthy environment and although the violators of this offense where children themselves, tolerance is taught at home. Please, teach your children that a prank like this can be deadly. Teach them to reach out to the child and become their friend, not bully or tease them for something they have absolutely no control over.
Can you imagine what it is like to grow up fearful of food? Imagine sending your precious child off into that big bad world is also extremely painful but they have to learn to take care of themselves for their own sanity. To live in a world that is full of danger and fear and once again, tolerate the fact that pizza, ice cream and peanuts are not going away and they will not invite them to parties or ask to play just because they can't have a slice. Sad.
At least allow them to got to school without fear. Is that too much to ask?
