A Mother's Daily Vigil: Living with a Son's Life-Threatening Allergy

A Northern Ireland mother shares the challenges of coping with her son's severe allergic reaction on a daily basis. The Experience

Gemma Neill’s son Robin was only 18 months old when he had a reaction to cashew butter that changed their lives forever. Now, Gemma carries Epipens everywhere for Robin due to his tree nut allergy, making shopping and cooking a meticulous routine. Daily Struggles

She meticulously checks food labels to ensure safety, even retrieving items from the bin for reassurance. While she has managed to keep Robin safe, the fear of anaphylaxis looms large. Community Support

Robin's school, Ballymoney Model Integrated Primary, has been supportive. Gemma has joined Food Allergy NI to advocate for improved services for families facing similar challenges, emphasizing the need for better school preparedness. Looking to the Future

The group aims to share good practices, support affected families, and create allergy-friendly spaces, culminating in a family fun day event at Jones JR Sports Lab in Portadown on April 26. For more information about the event and Food Allergy N.I., contact foodallergyni@gmail.com.