The Taste Of Terror | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

The Taste Of Terror

Peanut allergies, and food allergies in general, are so, so serious, and it's time that they are perceived that way.

96
The Taste Of Terror

I was writing an essay, which quickly lead to scrolling through Facebook, procrastinating–something I really don't have the time to be doing right now– when I came across the article. I had read ones like it in the past, and every time it stops me in my tracks, shakes me to my core, and stays with me for the days to come.

An 11 years old Florida boy lost his life on Thanksgiving due to a reaction from his peanut allergy. Oakley Debbs had accidentally taken a bite of a cake, containing peanuts, that was left out on the counter, and could not be saved.

Eleven years old: A boy just on the edge of his teen years, gone.

It's not right.

I mentioned the story to few friends I was with, and the response was a semi-forced "that's so sad," or "what a tragedy." General concern, yes, but then everyone continued on with their conversations, as we tend to do when we can't relate to something–

But I can relate to this story.

This past summer I went to the allergist, as I annually do, to get an update on my allergy. Whenever I go, I never expect to receive a different result, but this time, I was praying that it could be.

The allergist laughed a little bit when she said, "So basically, on a scale from 1-10 (10 being the worst), you're an 11 when it comes to being allergic to peanuts."

I outwardly gave a knowing smile, because nothing had changed– I've always been really allergic– but inside, I was crushed, and terrified. I needed her to give me a different answer than that one, for once. She didn't know what these past few years had been like for me, no one had.

Growing up, I was always completely in control of my allergy, and even positively attributed it to shaping me into the person I am today. It taught me a lot of things at young age, like how to stand up for myself, the awareness that everyone has struggles that you might not be able to see– maturity. Valuable lessons, definitely.

I barely thought about it; I joked about it with my friends in high school all the time. I always was incredibly careful, however: I checked every single ingredient on everything I put in my mouth, carried my Epi-Pen everywhere I went, and never took a single chance. I had my own, nut-free table in the school cafeteria (don't worry, it made me feel like a queen), and just went on with my days– It was a part of me, I didn't know anything else.

Sure, sometimes I wasn't invited to parties because my friends' parents didn't want the responsibility of having to feed me, or I would have to leave a restaurant because the waiters, and managers, wouldn't know what was in their food, or would get so annoyed with having to check ingredients that we refused to give them service. Yeah, that was never fun, but I was always okay.

Then I got a little older, and realized a little more: I saw friends that I grew up with pass away, unexpectedly, and undeservingly. I saw the world around me become a little different. I changed a little, and something changed that I didn't expect it to– my relationship with food.

At the time, I was either eating my meals in a dining hall or a restaurant– I was never making my own meals, and therefore, never able to completely trust how my food was made, and if any peanuts were nearby, even if I had asked.

Slowly, and then all-consumingly, the fear of my allergy took over. I couldn't eat, and when I did, I would take one bite, and then wait at least 15 minutes, constantly checking myself for symptoms of a reaction.

Each day consisted of another meal, another panic attack, and, if I felt any tingling or itch in my body, another dose of Benadryl to save myself– and none of those instances ever actually led to a reaction. I had to go home for a week sophomore year because I made myself physically sick from the stress I put myself under; I preferred eating alone because I didn't want people to wait for me to finish eating, and I couldn't have them rush me.

I would take a bite of food at a restaurant and then take the rest of the meal home, where, again, it would be a struggle to consume. I would just stare at food and be terrified– If there was any trace of any peanut on any inch of it, it could kill me... Those were the words that ran through my head at least three times a day.

And as always– though there are exceptions– I was still dealing with teenage waiters who didn't care, friends who didn't quite understand when I asked them to please be a little extra careful, and people who just weren't willing to make the extra effort to look out for me: That hurts, on more levels than one.

That is what needs to change.

I got the help I needed and, though some days are better than others, things have consistently gotten better over time. I can take a bite of food and not be overtaken with immense fear, and enjoy a conversation at the breakfast, lunch, or dinner table, without my mind being somewhere else entirely.

The reality of the allergy, however, is always there– Hearing Oakley's story, for example, has made this week a little harder, and the dining hall a little more stressful– but still, a lot better than it used to be.

I know that I can always protect myself, but, I can't always trust the world: It's really up to you to keep people with anaphylactic food allergies safe.

No matter who you are– whether you're a chef, baker, waiter, you have a friend, family member, or student with a food allergy, or you just run into someone one day who happens to mention it: Make a little extra effort to keep them protected, and feeling comfortable. An allergy is a physical ailment, but it can also be a mental and emotional battle– even if the person doesn't show it, or talk about it.

There have been many improvements with the awareness of food allergies, but there still is a long way to go.

Be one of the people who helps the world reach that next step, please.

Do it for the kids in elementary school who have to be separated from their peers everyday in order to stay safe; do it for their parents.

Do it for the high school students who feel a little awkward every time they are out to eat, and while staying casual with friends at the table, are thinking about how they are putting their lives in the hands of a stranger.

Do it for the college students who, along with living in a new world, have to deal with new challenges with food, too.

Do it for people everywhere who live with allergies, and have to face the uncertainty of their health and safety everyday.

Do it for Oakley Debbs, who deserved so much more time than he was given.

Peanut allergies, and food allergies in general, are so, so serious, and it's time that they are perceived that way.

I wish I didn't have a peanut allergy, but as in everything, I look at my story– so far– and I learn and grow from it– I hope you can too... because really, my safety relies on you.

To donate to The Red Sneakers Foundation, which was set up in Oakley's memory to raise awareness on food allergies, please visit: http://redsneaker.org.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

16003
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

6873
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5076
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4457
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments