Women of the Allergy Community
Feminism has always been a massive part of my life. I was raised by a single mother and she fought and protested women’s rights when she was my age. I always admired her strength and tenacity. She works in a field saturated by men - science. I was the only allergy person in the classroom, she was the only woman in the classroom. She taught me to never be quiet when you have something to say. When people would tell her that I was “too bold” or “too loud” she would say “good, that’s what I taught her” (I think she may be regretting that now). I never thought 'I couldn’t do what I wanted’ because I was a woman and that has translated into my allergic life. I was never taught that what society deemed “a minority” or “a limitation”, would ever hold me back in my life.
As I was finding my way through life, I did what most people do and dimmed my light for others to like me. I started getting embarrassed about my allergies, felt insecure in being a woman, thought that by having male friends I was ‘the chosen one’ and, at times, rejected my female friends. As I started to find myself after school and truly see the value in community, especially in women, I found there is such power in a female collective.
I have spoken on this blog before about the lack of men in the online allergy community - May Contain Male Blog - It is definitely skewed towards women. Whilst I truly want more diverse voices in this community - sharing their stories and breaking down the stigma -it is also important to celebrate the women who do show up in this community.
I am going to share some of the women in the online allergy community, and how they feel about being a woman in this space. Their thoughts are uplifting and I am truly grateful to share their words!
Please comment below with your thoughts, I would love to connect with you.
Happy International Women’s Day!
Women of the Allergy Community
“Connecting with these women has been uplifting, inspiring and above all supportive”
“I have been a part of the allergy community for a decade now and I cannot stress how much I have felt validated and heard by fellow allergy mums and women who themselves have allergies. Connecting with these women has been uplifting, inspiring and above all supportive - they have helped me through some tough times! Being someone living with allergy or an allergy parent can be tough and feel incredibly lonely, but with the women I now know, the allergy life can also be joyful and connected!”
- Clare @theallergycollective
“Being part of this community reminds me every day that allergies don’t stop you from being a kickass female”
“When I was younger, I mostly felt like my allergies were a hinderance, but I can now say that I am confident my allergies offer positive attributes to my personality and life too. I’m organised, I’m empathetic and I’m direct with my intentions and needs.
Connecting with others with allergies online has really helped me to feel empowered and less alone. There are so many inspiring women who use their social media platforms to raise awareness, offer support and guidance, advocate for change and promote safe products. Ultimately though, being part of this community reminds me every day that allergies don’t stop you from being a kickass female and that you can enjoy so much of life, just with some added precautions.
After so many years being the only woman I knew with life threatening allergies I am so glad I took the leap to make my Instagram profile, and I feel like I’ve now got access to so much support and so many interesting insights from people who truly, truly get it.“
- Amelia @nutfreeamelia
“We all have stories to share that help empower us to celebrate life with food allergies.”
“Whether you are a food allergy adult or mom, we all have stories to share that help empower us to celebrate life with food allergies. As diverse as these stories are, our differences collectively connect us to each other. No one should feel alone in their diagnosis and we’re grateful to everyone who has shared a piece of their journey. Happy International Women’s day”
- Kortney & Shahla @thezestfull
“These women have completely changed my outlook towards my allergies, my soul purpose is now to make sure young people never feel the way I did.”
“In August 2020 I finally plucked up the courage to create my Instagram account. For so long I was hiding behind my allergies and letting them define me. By doing this it opened up a gateway to hundreds of inspirational woman, owning their allergies and making others feel empowered. These women have completely changed my outlook towards my allergies, my soul purpose is now to make sure young people never feel the way I did.
I’ve been lucky enough to make beautiful friendships with other women in the allergy community, this has been an absolute blessing as the support network I’ve got inspires and allows me to grow as a woman every day. I’m forever grateful.”
- Chloë @peanutfreezone_
“I believe allergies define a woman’s character, they bring out her best version”
“I’ve learned that because I experience different hormonal changes throughout my life, it is inevitable to develop food allergies during adolescence and adulthood. At first, it was very difficult to handle every new food allergy diagnosis, but now I’ve embraced it as part of who I am. As women, we tend to be caring, resourceful, and resilient, which are qualities that I have been able to strengthen after each allergy diagnosis.
Contrary to what others think, I believe allergies define a woman’s character, they bring out her best version after adapting to a new normality without specific allergens. They help us be creative and look for other options to ensure ourselves or those we care for have access to safe and delicious food. They help us become stronger to overcome any difficult challenge life throws at us. Food allergies are life threatening, but only a woman with a big heart knows how to best turn the situation around and keep those she loves alive.”
- Ingrid @ipinkit_
“We protect
We intercept
And we have kept
Our cubs safe and well”
Helicopter mum
The awkward one
Are just some
Of the names we get called
Overprotective
Get some perspective
But we know detective
Is more accurate for our FBI skills
Reading labels
Wiping tables
Being sure our kids are able
To live a normal life
Our tiger sense
Is our reference
Feeling tense
But keeping an air of calm
We protect
We intercept
And we have kept
Our cubs safe and well
Medication carriers
Breaking down barriers
Don't underestimate her
The allergy mum.
- Emma @emma.amoscato
“Mum always showed me that allergies don’t define me. I can only thank her for being so supportive and being so strong.”
“So many absolutely incredible women that come to mind from the phenomenal women in my team, Ellie who is our very own pocket rocket (she even turned a whole billboard artwork campaign around in a week) . To some amazing friends that I have made in the allergy community, who inspired me to talk more about my allergies.
My mum who is, to be honest, a super mum for everything she has had to go through.
As my mum’s first child, finding out that I have severe reactions to various foods; this was so scary for her and I cannot imagine what was going through her head during my first anaphylactic shock.
Mum always showed me that allergies don’t define me, yes she was super worried all the time and sometimes wanted to keep me in a bubble but she still pushed me to be confident and understand my allergies which helped me so much as I grew up. My mum recently told me that allowing me to mingle in the world not knowing whether I would have an anaphylactic episode was a daily challenge for her. I can only thank her for being so supportive and being so strong.
Understanding, controlling and speaking about my allergies can be hard but being part of this incredible movement gives me more drive and purpose every day.”
- Julianne @julianne.ponan
“This is the most supportive and dedicated community to be in. We are proof that when women work together, we can achieve anything.”
“Every woman’s success should be an inspiration to another. We’re strongest when we cheer each other on.”
“ When I hear this quote, the first thing that comes to my mind is the strong-female base within the food allergy community. Built of a strong group of women that range from teenagers to adults, to food allergy moms, together, we each advocate passionately on our own. However, the true beauty of this group of women shines when you see how we are to one another. This is the most supportive and dedicated community to be in. We are proof that when women work together, we can achieve anything. Because together, we make each other successful, and together, we make our advocacy for food allergies successful!”
- Amanda @amandamacgregor_com
“Everyday we break down stereotypes that women can't get along.”
“I love being part of an allergy community and feel very lucky for the women who have supported me through the years and have even become like family. Allergies can feel very isolating at times especially right now when a lot of our appointments are being cancelled or pushed back so having a great support system around you makes everything easier, Everyday we break down stereotypes that women can't get along.”
- Nia @niabean93
“I think what amazes me the most about my fellow allergy Moms’ and reactors. It is that we are at all different stages, and we just want to support each other.”
“When I think about how alone I felt when my daughter was first diagnosed with food allergies in 2003 versus how I feel now in our online allergy community, I don’t feel alone. I think what amazes me the most about my fellow allergy Moms’ and reactors. It is that we are at all different stages, and we just want to support each other.
In 2003 when Kara was nine months old and had her first anaphylactic reaction, our lives changed forever. Every aspect of your life changes when you have been diagnosed with an allergy. Love life, friendships, and just daily survival is a constant struggle. Now that it has been 18 years, I would love to say it is a piece of cake. Sadly it is not since it is life, but I can say it gets better. The online support we have now is truly a blessing. As a bonus, you can have your cake and eat it too (as long as it is allergy-free), so yes, it gets better.
I have been able to forge some fantastic online friendships with many remarkable women in this allergy community. Women of vastly different professions, countries, and ethnicities all share two things. We are women and have some type of allergy issue. I gain strength in sharing their struggles, and now I don’t have the fear to share mine. As much power as this community is made mostly of Women gives me. I try to give back as much as I receive, whether it is someone contacting me for help that is newly diagnosed or a person who is just tired of eating the same thing. In some cases, it is only to check on each other and share our love.
The only thing I wish for this fantastic community made mostly of Women. (yes, there are a few of you fellas, but we need more of you) I wish we had met sooner, but they say we always meet people when we are supposed to learn from them. I hope to contact all these amazing women for a very long time and to anyone I haven’t met yet. I can’t wait to learn from you, my amazing fellow women; during International Women’s Day and every day of the year, let us continue to support each other.”
- Martha @allergy_dragon
“Being a woman with allergies empowers me.”
“Being a woman with allergies empowers me. It’s made me more independent, determined and empathetic. I know myself so well. I’m hyper aware and in tune with my body because of my allergies.”
- Jessica @allergybubble
“The continuous encouragement I have received from these women has helped give me the strength necessary to manage my severe allergies on a day-to-day basis.”
““When starting All Things Allergies a year and a half ago, I could have never imagined what an important role this online food allergy community would play in my life. The connections I have formed and the continuous encouragement I have received from these women has helped give me the strength necessary to manage my severe allergies on a day-to-day basis. Today on International Women’s Day, I am so grateful to be surrounded by such supportive, brave, and inspiring entrepreneurs, advocates, leaders, mothers, daughters, and friends. Cheers to us!”
- Alyssa @allthingsallergies
“Be proud of how far you've come.”
“As an allergy mum, I have had to learn how to manage my son's allergies but also manage myself. I have learnt how to push all my worries to the side and find strength I never thought I would have. Thanks to the support and friendship from other allergy accounts, I have learnt how to use my voice to speak up about allergy awareness, to fight and make things just that little bit better for my son and other children with allergies.
Together we are better,
Together we are strong,
Together we can make a change.
So from this mum, be proud of how far you've come, stand strong wherever the road takes you, make that change however big or small and remember, we are all in this together.”
- Stephanie @positivelyallergic
“You’re all doing a fantastic job and we take our hat off to you, it’s not easy!”
“Today marks International Women’s Day - a day to celebrate the achievements of women as well as the movement in equality. It’s important we use his day to not only celebrate but to empower women and as an allergy platform, we’re coming together to cheer for the allergy mums, doctors, wife’s, teachers etc who support those living with allergies. You’re all doing a fantastic job and we take our hat off to you, it’s not easy!”
- Thalina @allergiesinbold
“I have found it amazing to have other supportive women sharing their experience, tips, jokes, difficult moments and victories with each other.”
“I didn’t grow up with allergies. I actually started to develop them when I was 18, so in the end I was a normal kid and teenager who turned into a woman with allergies.
I have always read or been told that my health conditions don’t define me, but the truth is that they dictate everything I do, why I do it, and how I do it.
My allergies and health conditions made me a more responsible and more reliable person. I am more structured, I am always planning. It has also made me more understanding and inclusive of other people.
I love our Instagram allergy community. Having allergies can make some days feel lonely as we are sometimes excluded from certain activities or festivities because the organizers (sometimes our friends) just don’t know how to handle things, so I have found it amazing to have other supportive women sharing their experience, tips, jokes, difficult moments and victories with each other.
We are stronger together!”
- Allison @missallergist
“I feel honoured to be part of this incredibly supportive online allergy community.”
“I used to feel really alone with my allergies and like nobody could relate, but over the last couple of years, I've interacted with so many amazingly strong, like-minded women from all over the world. I feel honoured to be part of this incredibly supportive online allergy community.”
- Abbie @theautiekitchen
“The empathy and inclusivity that the women in this community provide, encourages me to speak up.”
“I didn’t think much about the simple fact that I am a woman with allergies - and if it would be any different if I was a man. I can say how much I appreciate this strong female collective of women around the world.
I have yet to find a friend with as many food allergies as me - and knowing that, makes me feel alone sometimes. But being a woman and surrounding myself with other strong women who are open to share their stories and experiences - is very empowering.
It’s funny because when I first joined this allergy community - I was like, woah do only women have food allergies, and I’m not sure why men don’t share their experiences with their allergies - but I hope us women can encourage them to do so as well. Because I can only imagine being a guy and feeling like my allergies are a weakness and that I have no one to share my struggles with. I find that the empathy and inclusivity that the women in this community provide, encourages me to speak up and allows my social media platform to be part of something bigger than just myself.”
- Dana @the_ddawgdiet
“While I was dealt an unfortunate hand of cards when it comes to my health, it has brought me to where I am today: a determined young woman”
“Developing multiple food allergies in my early 20s flipped my life upside down. Starting with anaphylaxis to soy, it quickly spiraled to peanuts, tree nuts, fruits, vegetables and more. I am grateful for the Tolerance Induction Program in basically saving my life. My whole experience really changed my perspective on the allergy world and on food allergies in general. At 26 I decided to make a career change from business to science. I am now finishing up a masters of science in microbiology and immunology at Georgetown University and doing a PhD in allergy/immunology at Tel Aviv University. Curing food allergies, advancing diagnostics, and offering better treatment options is now my life goal. While I was dealt an unfortunate hand of cards when it comes to my health, it has brought me to where I am today: a determined young woman, looking forward to advancing research for the millions of people worldwide with anaphylactic food allergies.”
- Natalie @nonuts4me
“I am so grateful for all the women, who continue to support, educate and inspire me everyday!”
“Being a mixed black woman, I am no stranger to the feeling of discrimination and marginalisation. Living with food allergies has definitely contributed to such feelings at times, but we can always make the choice to find the positives in all of life's challenges. We will all face some kind of struggle in life, and I know that through our food allergies, we are that more compassionate and empathetic as people and as a community. I am so grateful for all the women I have met since creating my allergy & eczema page - who continue to support, educate and inspire me everyday!”
- Lauren @myallergykey
“Hearing other women's stories has allowed me to gain new perspectives on having allergies.”
"I am constantly inspired by the amazingly strong women in the allergy community that share their incredible stories. Hearing other women's stories has allowed me to gain new perspectives on having allergies and has encouraged me to speak up for not just myself but for those who share my experiences. Being a woman with allergies has become so much easier because of all the empowering women I have to look up to!”
- Emily @ems_nutfree_eats
“I contribute my strength to the efforts of the many women around me.”
“Being a woman with allergies has made me stronger. Yet, I contribute my strength to the efforts of the many women around me. Firstly, my mum and my sisters. They have been my voice at the times when I was too scared to talk about my allergies. they helped me find my words to tell my story. To the community of women in Australia (my home) who have empowered and supported me through my allergy journey. The knowledge and confidence they have imparted is nothing but inspiring. My allergist has changed my life for the better. To my girlfriends who, through the years, have advocated in little and big ways to make me feel included- their efforts are always appreciated and will continued to be remembered (they know who they are!) To the allergy community on Instagram- WOW. Encouraging, supportive and connected. I am incredibly grateful for the stories I have heard and the sense of community felt.”
- Jackie @allergieswithjackie
“I appreciate this community of awesome women and the food allergy bond we all share!”
“As someone who has been part of the online food allergy community for over 12 years, it’s been heartwarming to see the community grow substantially with young female food allergy bloggers. Now, no one is blogging alone as the food allergy kid turned grown up anymore, which is AMAZING! When I started out, there weren’t other bloggers my age or anyone who grew up with food allergies, so the women who I connected with were all food allergy moms. They were actually the reason I initially started blogging. A group of them asked me to share my story because it gave them hope for their children, and I wanted to empower them, so I did it. In the last five years since blogging has become significantly more prevalent, I’ve made incredible friendships and project partnerships with women in the community. Since I didn’t meet a single person my age with food allergies until I was 16 years old on a summer trip, I never would have anticipated forming friendships with others who also had food allergies. I appreciate this community of awesome women and the food allergy bond we all share!”
- Allie @miss_allergic_reactor
“Women with health issues have a unique strength.”
“Being a woman with allergies empowers me and makes me more resilient. Although it took me a long time to feel this way, pushing through the challenging times gave me more confidence. Women are strong, beautiful creatures and women with health issues have a unique strength. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my mom and my sister. The IG community of allergy women has also given me the support group I needed. When women come together, there’s no limit to what we can overcome.”
- Emily @more_than_allergies
“It is important to help each other grow into our authentic selves and empower each other to make change.”
“One of the wonderful things I've come to experience about being a woman in the food allergy community is the never-ending support system I found with the other women in the community. It is so inspiring to witness the growth and success of each unique woman in the food allergy space. We are all so beautifully diverse yet have this common thread of living with food allergy meaning that support and encouragement are no more than a quick message away. As women, I believe that is important to continue to celebrate and uplift each other instead of tearing one another down. It is important to help each other grow into our authentic selves and empower each other to make change. As women, we can do anything we set our minds and hearts to. Ladies, we are changing the world!”
- Nicole @nutritionallynicole
“There’s a sense of true nurturing and support in the allergy community and I appreciate that so much.”
“The food allergy community on instagram has been such a wonderful addition to my life. I had no idea when I first started my instagram account that I would be diving into a world of people just like me. The food allergy community is mostly female from what I can see, and the friendships that I have made with other young adult women like me are really important to me. There are several women on my instagram whose phone numbers I have and that I text frequently. There are others that I talk to on instagram almost daily. I never thought that some of my close friends would be other women online that deal with allergies just like I do, but I absolutely love it. There’s a sense of true nurturing and support in the allergy community and I appreciate that so much. It is this wonderful place that has helped me feel safe enough to speak on my most vulnerable moments of allergy anxiety, a ritual that has become both therapeutic for me and helpful for others.”
- Jessica @nutfreementality
“Make sure the allergic men in your life have got their allergies in order because us women? We already got it covered.”
“Being a woman with multiple life threatening allergies has made me stronger. It’s made me fight for what’s right in all areas of my life, not just where allergies are concerned. I know allergies affect both men and women but we hear from so few men in the allergy community. So much awareness and support is given by women for women but I don’t want to forget the men. I worry they need to be more vigilant, check more often, carry their adrenaline and speak up instead of choosing carefully things they think will be safe. This International Women’s Day make sure the allergic men in your life have got their allergies in order because us women? We already got it covered.”
- Ruth @whatallergy
“The strength and unity within this community makes me feel so loved and heard.”
“On International Women’s Day, I am reminded of what it means to be a Food Allergy Advocate as a teenage girl. As a student that is deeply invested in US History, I am constantly reminded that I live in a country where women did not always have a voice. Women’s Day acts as a reminder for me in how thankful I am of all of the amazing women that fought for my ability to speak and have a voice in this country. A voice that allows me to advocate not only for Food Allergy Awareness, but also for other political issues that I feel are important. I think back to women such as Ruth Bader Ginsberg, Susan B. Anthony, and Shirley Chisholm that paved the way for us women to create a platform for ourselves. When I look back at the Food Allergy Community I find that amongst other women, I found an inspiration to advocate more for this usually forgotten cause. The strength and unity within this community makes me feel so loved and heard. I am honored to be one of the many voices behind the strong food allergic people, mothers, advocates, and notable women behind this cause.
On this day I would like to give a special shout out to my mother. A woman who not only inspires me to do my best everyday, but one who helped me find my own voice. On International Women’s Day my biggest ode goes to her. The woman that taught me everything I know about handling my allergies, told me what my rights were, and always kept me safe. Love you Mom.”
- Zerrin @the_nutfree_life
“I realized was that it wasn't my job to control everything and do everything, but to educate".”
“I do not personally have food allergies, but I have been surrounded by food allergies my entire life. My grandfather and older brother had egg allergies. My younger brother is allergic to tree nuts. All three of our children have multiple, differing food allergies and asthma. I had severe asthma growing up. So while I don't know what a reaction feels like, I have seen firsthand, more times than I would like, what anaphylaxis looks like and the everyday challenges that come with managing food allergies.
When our oldest was diagnosed, I lived in a lot of fear. I didn't trust many people with her and was so afraid of what could happen. As our other children came along, we knew what food allergies looked like. We became more comfortable with the lifestyle, but never to the point where we didn't let our guard down. I lived a life of "what if's."
It wasn't until recently that I came to the realization that I really don't have that much control. The "what if" conversations can be supportive in thinking about scenarios, but I learned they can also be very detrimental to achieving joy and balance. What I realized was that it wasn't my job to control everything and do everything, but to educate and prepare my kids and the people in their life - to build trust. To empower them to take action and advocate for themselves
The biggest lesson I've learned thus far on this journey is that "you don't know what you don't know." If you have never experienced or seen a reaction, you really don't understand. And that's not that person's fault. I've learned that it's my responsibility to educate and inform to create understanding, compassion, and a safe environment and teach my children that their voice is important and gets to be heard so that they are safe.”
- Katie @acuriouskatie
“A chance to celebrate women who influence positive change.”
“When I reflect on International Women’s Day with respect to allergy, I think it is a chance to celebrate women who influence positive change. For me, this is my mother empowering and instilling confidence in me. My grandmother, who finds and bakes delicious allergy-friendly treats, inspiring me to start an allergy blog in the process. Relatives striving to help me feel included and safe. Friends being intuitive to my feelings and encouraging me to be vocal. The researchers, charities and entrpeneurs seeking answers, transforming attitudes and improving awareness. All of the allergy advocates in this community who affirm that allergies do not define us as women, we are not alone and who prove that speaking up is a sign of strength.”
- Grace @freefromden
“Someone is always willing to lend an ear or share a laugh.”
“When I started blogging about food allergies, I sought connection and over shared life experience with others. What I ended up with, were numerous deep and impactful friendships with some truly incredible women. I'm so fortunate to have found this supportive group, where someone is always willing to lend an ear or share a laugh.”
- Amanda @everydayallergenfree
“I feel I'm like a Mama Bear, protective of my daughter, preventing her from harm.”
“There's no manual that comes with an allergy baby but there is a hugely supportive allergy community where you can find reassurance, and support whatever stage you are at!
Being able to talk to others who understand our worries and challenges is so comforting. Its nice to feel you're not alone
Being an allergy mum I feel I'm like a Mama Bear, protective of my daughter, preventing her from harm!"
- Manpreet @foodallergyfit
“I love the ability to connect with other women.”
“As a woman with food allergies, it is important to have a supportive community of other women who understand! I think as a woman with food allergies, people look at us as if we are causing a fuss sometimes and as if it is just a preference. That is something we as a food allergy community need to raise awareness of and that is what I love about this food allergy community we have all created here on Instagram! I love the ability to connect with other women over similar dietary restrictions and how we all just get each other.”
