Spring into Action: Katie’s Story
When faced with the challenge of dining out with food allergies, Katie set out to find a solution. Her creativity and innovation led to My Teal Ticket, a restaurant order form that helps people with food allergies have a safer dining experience. Katie shares her story:
When faced with the challenge of dining out with food allergies, Katie set out to find a solution. Her creativity and innovation led to My Teal Ticket, a restaurant order form that helps people with food allergies have a safer dining experience. Katie shares her story:
When I was diagnosed with food allergies when I was three, my allergist told my parents about the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, which later joined with Food Allergy Initiative to become FARE. My parents researched FAAN and were impressed by all it offered for families and individuals with food allergies. We quickly got involved. My family has taken part in the Food Allergy Awareness walk since 2009. I attended and presented at the FARE Teen Summits in Milwaukee, WI and Newport Beach, CA. I also recently became a part of the Teen Advisory Group. FARE has done so many wonders for my family, and it is such an honor to be able to take part in these life-changing opportunities and to make a difference for others with food allergies.
As I’ve gotten older, I discovered that eating out is stressful for people with food allergies! Servers didn’t always take my allergies seriously and I wondered if they were really communicating with the chef. My father and I discussed ways to address this challenge and came up with My Teal Ticket. We designed My Teal Ticket to clearly state the eight most common allergens on a teal order form that will stand out in the kitchen. With My Teal Ticket, I am more confident that the correct documentation of my food allergies will be given to the chef.
If you are interested in getting involved like I did, there are many ways that you can contribute to your community - by creating a product, raising awareness, or educating others. Find a cause or problem that you are passionate about solving, and brainstorm new solutions.
By letting your voice be heard, you are showing the world a whole new perspective that could transform day-to-day life for people of all ages. Go for it!
You can spring into action for FARE just like Katie. By making a gift today, you ensure the creation of materials and resources to help the 15 million Americans with food allergies – including all those at risk for life-threatening anaphylaxis – live well every day. Donate today.