I am a mom of 2 and feel like we have been around the block with so many different health issues. There is so much I have learned in the past 4 years, information I just want to share with others to help supports struggling with similar issues, especially for those with allergies or other genetic conditions.

Our daughter V has not only Incontinentia Pigmenti (IP), a genetic condition that will affect her for her entire life, but she also has FPIES, cold urticaria and hEDS. Our daughter K has FPIAP, undiagnosed MCAS, and possible hEDS.

I thought that I knew about food allergies as I personally have allergies to gluten and dairy. Boy was I wrong. Our journey into learning about allergies and how difficult it is to eat in this increasingly processed food world has been eye opening to me. I am learning many things, like how to freeze, can, and store fruits and vegetables so that we can eat year round without having allergic reactions.

I also had some major health downturns myself. I have been diagnosed with hEDS (hypermobile Ehlers Danlos Syndrome) which affects my every day. I have quite a bit of chronic pain. I also have MCAS (Mast Cell Activation Syndrome) which essentially means I am allergic to a lot, and that can change daily too. I don’t leave my house without a mask for risk of anaphylaxis. I also have Hashimoto’s and possible POTS.

I am hoping that others can learn along with us and discover exactly what it means to have food allergies or other medical conditions, how it affects every aspect of ones life, and how to be respectful to those around you. So join me in this journey of learning how to live a free life, free of allergens, free of stress, free of judgement.