Living Allergy Aware: Life Beyond the Label

Allergy-Travel Showdown: Royal Caribbean vs. Disney Cruise Line

April 12, 2025
I have cruised many times, and as a family, our go-to has always been Disney Cruise Line. We have cruised Disney 5 times and while not every trip has been perfect, we’ve always felt confident in how they handled Jaxson’s food allergies (Peanut, Tree Nut, Wheat, Egg, Sesame, Soy and Coconut).

This time, however, we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to cruise with a large group of friends. The catch? It was on Royal Caribbean’s Utopia of the Seas—a cruise line we had never sailed with Jaxson before, let alone on a ship of this size.

Given our experience with cruising and the fact that Jaxson has now been on Xolair for four months, we decided to give it a try. In this post, I’ll break down our food experience and compare it to our past sailings with Mickey and Friends.

First things First – Packing for a Cruise with Allergies

No matter which cruise line we sail with, our packing routine stays the same. I have a detailed spreadsheet that calculates the number of days we’ll be away and exactly what we’ll need for each meal. Yes, we’re those people who make spreadsheets for everything!

And if you think that’s extreme, you should see the one my husband made to calculate the cost-effectiveness of the drink package onboard. (Did I mention he’s an Engineer and a math whiz? ) Spoiler alert – We ended up getting the drink package.

Even though cruise fare includes meals, we always pack safe snacks for Jaxson since allergy-friendly options can be tough to find offshore. It’s better to be over-prepared than scrambling for something safe at sea! Here are our must haves:
- General items for allergy safety (wipes, emergency meds, etc).
- Ziplocs and smaller containers to bring snacks and extras around the boat.
- Separate snorkle gear for Jaxson
- Favorite snacks for the plane and desserts. They have to be packaged and not homemade. (I’ll explain more below)
Cruising with Food Allergies

Now its time for the head to head comparison.

Food Allergy Accommodations

Food Allergy Processes – DRAW

I feel like this is a draw. They were both equally accommodating. I worked with the Head Waiters on both lines and they were very attentive, supportive and friendly. Both cruise lines have the same process. You are given the menus for each meal for the next day and pre-order your meals the night before. You also specify if you are eating in the main dining room or buffet. On days where you are on the ship’s island, you also pre-order and then pick up the food at a specified buffet location on the island. Note: we did not try any of the specialty restaurants on Royal Caribbean. We wanted to ensure we always had our Head Waiter’s support in the main dining room.

Dining Reservation Systems – Disney for Sure

When it came to the actual system of documenting allergies, that goes to Disney. Unfortunately, even with our wonderful travel agent’s help – Donna Bulieris at MarvelousMouseTravels.com and me filling out the allergy form prior to cruising, I found out that Royal Caribbean DID NOT have Jaxson’s allergies listed in our account! Typically this would throw me in a frenzy, but I didn’t panic and waited to speak with the Head Waiter the first evening. It all went fine from there. Having said that, I have never had a Disney Cruise where our allergens were not noted in the reservation!

Dining Experiences

Main Dining Room – Disney has an edge

No matter the cruise line, we always eat in the main dining room for breakfast and dinners. For breakfast, we typically order bacon and fruit bowl. Last time with Disney, we tried allergy friendly pancakes. We were cautious with Royal Caribbean this time, but for next time, we may inquire about allergy friendly pancakes as well.

On either line, you have to ask for what you want. They will offer suggestions, but many times I feel like its on me to come up with a meal plan. For this, Disney edges out Royal Carribbean slightly because they have a dedicated lunch and dinner menu with basic, healthier options. These were a perfect fit for Jaxson and made ordering very easy. For Royal, I had to come up with my own meal ideas and really, I just used the menu I remembered from Disney (salmon, steak, chicken breast) and rotated that nightly with sides like rice and potato for dinner. On Disney, Jaxson was often given a filet for no extra charge on steak nights. On Royal, there is a charge for this type of upgrade. There were two Disney Cruises where they had special bread and cookies on board that were safe options. They brought out ingredient labels and it was fantastic. I was not given such options on this recent Royal Caribbean cruise.

The dining rooms on Disney are of course, Disney themed and interactive. This is definitely different. While the Royal Caribbean waiters sing some nights and offer some interaction, it is not comparable to Disney. These meals are long in duration, so its nice to have the kiddos occupied.

Buffet (including the island options) – Royal Carribbean steals the show

For Royal Carribbean, we went to the Windjammer buffet for lunch. I was given a name for another Head Waiter to take care of us. This was great and I felt like I always had a the same, go-to person in each space. When it comes to buffet, Royal Carribbean wins because of having two head waiters support but also because it took very little time for them to identify our pre-order and bring out the meal to Jaxson. On Disney, it took quite a bit of time for them to find his “ticket” and prepare his meal. Many times, we would have all of our food selected from the buffet and Jaxson was still waiting for his food. I was pleasantly suprised to see how fast Royal Carribbean was in this area. We were all able to have our food at the same time at every meal. Once, we forgot to ask for safe potato chips and our head waiter at the buffet went down to the shop to go get Jaxson the chips! Incredible service! For lunch, Jaxson loved a beef burger (no bun), fries and corn on the cob. He loved it. For next time, we may try to expand and ask for other things but we were very cautious since it was our first time.

Allergy Tips!

Check on your allergy documentation! On the first day, always go down to the dining room and check that your allergy preferences are noted in the reservation. This gives you first sense of calm.

Just know the first day is never that smooth. You don’t know who your waiter is yet and they don’t know you. There is no “pre-order” available so you are flying by the seat of your pants that night. Just breathe, it gets better from there. Now, I do recall one Disney Cruise where I was able to pre-order when we first boarded for that night’s dinner. I wasn’t able to do that recently on either of the cruise lines. Maybe they changed their process.

Bring desserts! If you noticed, I did not mention desserts in my above categories. This is because we didn’t trust it. We don’t generally trust others to prepare things that have the potential to be unsafe. Its just our preference and each person is different. They are so kind to try to make something special for Jaxson and I always decline. This past cruise, they offered an allergy free sorbet. It looked great, but the worry on my son’s face plus the fact that I couldn’t reassure him, just wasn’t worth it. I easily went into my bag and pulled out his favorite packaged cookies and pudding. He was happy to eat those.

This brings me to my next tip – package goodies! All food you bring on the boat must be pre-packaged. You cannot bring home-made items on the ship. If you have sneaked them on in the past, consider yourself lucky and someone just graciously overlooked it. As we passed through the detectors, they searched my bags and were very alert to the food I had packed.

When you do bring snacks and desserts onboard, make sure its their absolute favorite. It gets to be tough when everyone else is feasting on cheesecake, chocolate layer cake and unlimited ice cream cones. I ensure that I am brining all of his favorites that I know will turn a smile no matter what is around him. Its a must for me! I brough GF Oreos, chocolate pudding cups, hershey kisses and bars, GF/Vegan Cake bites (Better bites Do bites). For snacks I brough fruit snacks, small bags of chips, Tostitos and salsa (yep the whole jar), GF fig bars, apple sauce pouches and Made Good Granola Bars.

Overall Value:

I know this is not allergy specific, but I feel like it is worth mentioning. Disney is much smaller and intimate but it is also more expensive, given you are comparing the same level of room.

Many people, including our family, used to say that the cost of the Disney Cruise is justified because of the level of service and overall quality. I do think the service is generally better on Disney but I am having a hard time saying it justifies the price difference alone. If you have other preferences like smaller ship, less crowds, Disney atmosphere in dining rooms and spaces, I think all of that adds up to justify.

I will say that a cruise is more affordable in general than some of the popular “allergy friendly” resorts that I have researched. I did a cost comparison and was in sticker shock. Plus with a cruise, you have many different activities to choose from and it includes multiple destinations!

So Who Won?

Disney Cruise Line and Royal Carribbean are very different, in my opinion. From the demographic that is onboard to the theme of the ships, activities offered and the biggest differentiator is the size/number of people on the boat.

For food allergies alone, you would be fine on either cruise line and maybe pleasantly surprised for trying something other than Disney. They are a gold standard, but there is nothing wrong with trying something new if you feel like you are ready. I still love Disney and feel like that its a luxury to be on board. I will definitely book another Disney Cruise in a year or two but I also might also slide a Royal Carribbean cruise in-between just because of affordability and now I have confidence in them. Additionally, I have friends who are not interested in doing a Disney Cruise and this way, we can still join them on a vacation and feel comfortable.

Comment below or email me if you have Qs! I wanted to keep this review specific to food allergy accommodations but I am happy to answer any questions!
Continue reading →: Allergy-Travel Showdown: Royal Caribbean vs. Disney Cruise Line
Easy Mexican-Inspired Casserole

February 25, 2025
We absolutely love Spanish and Mexican food in our house—I make it at least three times a week! One of my go-to allergy friendly weeknight meals is a simple yet delicious beef and yellow rice casserole. It’s hearty, easy to make, and only takes about 20-25 minutes!

Ingredients & Shopping Tips:
- Yellow Rice: I swear by Par Excellence Yellow Rice from Sam’s Club. A large 3.5lb tub costs just $5.78—such a great deal!
- Ground Beef: I use Wegman’s Grass-Fed Angus Beef, but you can easily substitute with chicken, turkey, or even soy crumbles.
- Veggies: Jaxson is a little picky, so I keep it simple with the peppers in the rice mix. But feel free to get creative—onions, bell peppers, or even corn would be amazing!
- Cheese: A little sprinkle of Mexican-blend cheese while cooking the beef adds extra flavor.
How to Make It:
1️⃣ Brown the beef in a pan, adding a bit of cheese as it cooks.
2️⃣ Cook the yellow rice in a rice cooker—super easy! Just use the cup that comes with the cooker, measure 2 cups of rice + fill to the 2 cup line of the cooker with hot water, and let it do its thing.
3️⃣ Combine the cooked beef, rice and any extra veggies. At this point, you have options:
- Serve it as is!
- Transfer to a baking dish, top with more cheese, and bake for a melty, golden finish.
- Store leftovers in the fridge or freezer—great for future meals!
Serving Ideas:
- We love topping it with salsa and sour cream.
- My husband and I pair it with a fresh salad for extra veggies!
- Leftovers go into a thermos for Jaxson’s lunch the next day—such a time-saver!
This meal is always a hit in our home and hope you like it too!

#EasyDinners #AllergyFriendlyEats #MexicanFoodLover #WeeknightMeals
Continue reading →: Easy Mexican-Inspired Casserole
Surviving Sick Days: Allergy-Free Medications and Safe Comfort Foods

February 12, 2025

When someone in the house gets sick, everything shifts—schedules, routines, and especially meals. But when you add food allergies into the mix, sick days become even more complicated. Jaxson tested positive for Flu A this week and we had to figure out how to keep things as safe and comforting as possible.

Finding Allergy-Safe Comfort Foods

One of the biggest challenges when Jaxson is sick is finding foods that are gentle on his stomach while also being free of his allergens. Some traditional comfort foods, like chicken noodle soup, often contain allergens like wheat, dairy, or soy. Instead, we rely on a few allergy-friendly staples:

✔ Broth-based soup – We look for brands we can trust and when it comes to stock, my go to is Kitchen Basics. They have simple ingredients like Honey instead of sugars. I use the chicken and beef stock!
✔ Mashed sweet potatoes – A soft, nutritious option that’s easy to eat.
✔ Smoothies – If Jaxson doesn’t have much of an appetite, a smoothie with fruit and milk or Chobani drink can be a great way to get nutrients in.
✔ Simple snacks – You guessed it, those fig bars came back for when he needed something light.

Medications & Allergies: Always Ask Medical Professionals!

A surprising challenge with sick days is finding over-the-counter medicine that doesn’t contain allergens. Some liquid medications have milk derivatives, artificial dyes, or flavorings that aren’t safe for many with allergies. There are also some prescription medications that may have allergens like Soy. Jaxson was prescribed Tamiflu and I made sure to ask his Pediatrician if it was compatible with his allergies. As a double check, I also asked the Pharmacist. After discussing with our allergist, we decided to pause his Xolair dose for a few days. With everything his body is already dealing with this week, we felt it was best not to add anything extra for now.

Other things to consider:

✔ Always double-check the labels—even on medications we’ve used before, since formulas can change.
✔ Ask the pharmacist for dye-free or allergen-free alternatives.
✔ Stick with brands we trust and keep a supply of safe options at home.

Keeping the House (and Twilight) in Check

When Jaxson is sick, we also have to be mindful of environmental triggers. Since he’s mildly allergic to our cat, Twilight, we take a few extra precautions:

✔ Keeping her off his bed – Normally, Twilight sleeps at the foot of his bed, but during a cold or flu, we encourage her to nap elsewhere.
✔ Running an humidifier – This helps with his congestion and sore throat. The one we have is an older model, but it is a cool mist humidifier with a humidistat. It turns on and off based on the maximum humidity in the room.
✔ Extra cleaning – More vacuuming, hand-washing, and wiping down surfaces keep germs and allergens from piling up.

Rest, Hydration, and Lots of Love

At the end of the day, sick days in an allergy household require a little extra effort, but the goal is the same: making sure Jaxson feels as comfortable as possible. Whether it’s keeping his meals safe, ensuring his medicine is allergen-free, or managing pet exposure, we’ve found ways to make it work. And of course, Twilight is always nearby, keeping a close watch on her favorite human—even if it’s from just outside the bedroom door!

Already on the mend and with his favorite Kitty!

Things I mentioned in this post:

Kitchen Basics Stock https://amzn.to/40Z8vji

Humidifier – this is similar to ours https://amzn.to/4hzoUlL

Motrin (Dye Free) – https://amzn.to/4137lnc

Disclosure: clicking on the affiliate links above will take you to Amazon. No pressure, just sharing the brands, but thanks for supporting my website!

Continue reading →: Surviving Sick Days: Allergy-Free Medications and Safe Comfort Foods
Pet Allergies: How We Love Animals Without the Sneezes!

February 5, 2025

Pets are cherished family members, bringing love, companionship, and joy. But for those with pet allergies, that love can come with a side of sneezing, itching, and wheezing. Jaxson is allergic to both cats and dogs, but before he was born, we had two cats. We had to find a way to co-exist with our furry family members while managing the allergies. It wasn’t just the fur we had to manage, but also the allergens in the cat’s food.

Jaxson’s pet allergies are triggered by proteins found in dander (tiny flakes of skin), saliva, and fur (which can trap allergens like dust and pollen). He usually takes Zyrtec for his seasonal allergies and occasional eczema flare-ups. We’ve found that this helps a lot, especially when we travel and are around other pets. His symptoms are mainly sneezing, though there are times when his eczema flares up too.

We already had Pandora (a flame point Siamese) and Nikko (a Siamese) when Jaxson was born. At first, we didn’t notice that he had a pet allergy until we went through food allergy testing. As part of the process, the doctors also ran an environmental allergy panel. To our surprise, the results showed that Jaxson was allergic to not only cats and dogs but also various trees.

Managing Pet Allergies at Home

To reduce exposure when Jaxson was younger, we created pet-free zones in the house. We made sure the cats stayed out of his room and off the couch in the living room. Since several family members were already allergic to the cats, we kept the guest room doors closed anyway, so Jaxson’s room was just another room we kept off-limits. We also used air purifiers to help filter out pet dander and allergens.

As Jaxson grew older, we noticed his pet allergy seemed to improve (at least one allergy got better!). He didn’t sneeze as much, and when we took him off his Zyrtec during the winter months, he was fine in the house. Sadly, our two beloved cats passed away, and we went about a year without a pet.

Hello Twilight!

In July of this past summer, we brought home Twilight and wow did she shake things up! We adopted Twilight from Second Chance Pet Adoptions in Raleigh (an amazing place by the way) . Twilight is a special kitty; she had been shot in the tail, which had to be amputated. But even without her tail, she’s full of energy and curiosity—and she absolutely refuses to follow any of our rules! She breaks… every… single… one!

Twilight loves to sit wherever she wants and snuggle up with Jaxson. He absolutely adores her and has found his furry best friend for life. Unlike Nikko and Pandora, who never slept near him and rarely sat next to him, Twilight believes she’s meant to claim that spot. She sleeps at the end of his bed most nights. At first, I was very hesitant, but Jaxson has been doing great! After consulting with both his allergist and ENT doctor, they believe he’s fine with her close contact.

The Challenge with Pet Food

Since Jaxson is allergic to so many foods, he was never able to interact with our pets during mealtime. But with Twilight, I took the time to search for pet food that wouldn’t trigger his allergies. It turns out, it’s healthier for her too! We found dry food that Jaxson can handle, so now he can even help with feeding.

We still have a few rules that the humans in the house follow:

✔ Wash hands after handling pets – Especially important for kids who love to cuddle!
✔ Vacuum and clean frequently – A HEPA-filter vacuum helps remove pet dander from carpets and furniture.
✔ Change air filters regularly – We follow my husband’s theory of buying mid-grade filters but changing them more often, which he says is better for the AC unit. (I’m no expert in that area, so I trust him!)

Alternatives for Animal Lovers with Severe Allergies

There was a time where I thought we wouldn’t be able to have pets in our home and had to think of ways Jaxson could still enjoy animals without constant exposure. Here was my short list:

✔ Volunteer at an animal shelter (with precautions like masks and handwashing)
✔ Visit pet-friendly cafes, farms, or friends with pets for short, controlled interactions
✔ Support pet rescue organizations like Second Chance online through donations or virtual adoptions

Family pet allergies can be a tough thing, especially if you love animals. We found the right strategies that worked for us. If all else fails, there are alternative ways to interact with animals. We were able to give Twilight her forever home and Jaxson a best friend – that’s a win-win for us!

So much for the couch!

Links to things I mentioned in this post:

Honeywell Allergen Plus Air Purifier (we have older version) https://amzn.to/3EqEHVb

Nulo Dry Cat Food https://amzn.to/3WPY2p4

Home Air Filters https://amzn.to/3Q7iy0Y Also at home depot!

Not linked – we use an older version Dyson Vacuum

Disclosure: clicking on the affiliate links above will take you to Amazon. No pressure, just sharing the brands I use regularly, but thanks for supporting my website!

Continue reading →: Pet Allergies: How We Love Animals Without the Sneezes!
Favorite Brown Butter Pancakes

February 1, 2025

Let me share a quick post about a family favorite—pancake mornings!

It all started when my sister introduced us to the King Arthur Gluten-Free Pancake Mix during a visit to her home. She whipped up a batch, and we’ve been hooked ever since. Everyone loves it—whether they have allergies or not! This mix makes the fluffiest pancakes, and after trying countless others, we can confidently say it’s our favorite.

Since we have an egg allergy, I substitute eggs with full-fat sour cream—1 tablespoon per egg. It’s my go-to swap for pancakes, breads, and cakes because it retains moisture nicely. I’ve also used aquafaba (the liquid from garbanzo beans), but it’s not always on hand, and sometimes we notice a slight aftertaste. For the liquid, I stick with regular milk and add a dash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.

When cooking the pancakes, I use our griddle. Once it’s heated, I melt a generous pat of butter, letting it brown slightly. Then, I drop heaping tablespoons of the batter onto the griddle. After flipping the pancakes, I move them around to soak up any butter left on the surface. It gives the pancakes a great buttery flavor! While it’s not exactly diet-friendly, we skip adding butter after cooking, so it’s all about balance.

Jaxson loves experimenting with toppings, from Bonne Maman jellies to syrup. Our go-to syrup is Log Cabin All Natural Table Syrup—it’s a favorite. Guests always rave about these pancakes and are shocked to learn they’re both gluten-free and egg-free!

For busy school mornings, I save time by freezing leftovers. I wrap the pancakes in parchment paper, pop them into a Ziploc bag, and freeze them. A quick microwave heat-up, and breakfast is ready—easy peasy!

Look how fluffy!

I’ll link to some of our favorite safe brand ingredients so you can check them out if you’re interested.

King Arthur Gluten Free Pancake Mix: https://amzn.to/3CrVNBx

Bonne Maman: https://amzn.to/3Eo9nWY

Log Cabin All Natural Table Syrup: https://amzn.to/40DJjiq

Disclosure: clicking on the affiliate links above will take you to Amazon. No pressure, just sharing the brands, but thanks for supporting my website!

Continue reading →: Favorite Brown Butter Pancakes
Allergy Life: Jaxson’s POV

January 29, 2025

I sat down with Jaxson to ask him a few questions and get his take on life with allergies.

Q: Hey Jaxson, how would you describe living with food allergies in one word?
A: “Hard. I sometimes look at what others eat and wish I could have that but I am grateful for the food my Mom makes me because it tastes just as good”.

Q: What’s one food you wish you weren’t allergic to?
A: “Wheat. Even though my Mom makes great bread and pizza, I really would love to try a slice of pizza from a restaurant”.

Q: What is your favorite safe snack?
A: “I love chips and I can have most of them except for Sun Chips”.

Q: Do you feel left out at parties or events with food?
A: “Sometimes, but Mom and Dad always bring snacks I like, so it’s not bad, especially when she makes her chocolate cupcakes!”

Q: What’s the coolest place you’ve traveled while managing your allergies?
A: “Paris, France was awesome. I also really liked our hiking vacation to Zion, Utah.”

Q: What advice would you give to other kids with food allergies?
A: “Don’t be afraid to ask questions about food, and always carry your EpiPen just in case.”

Q: How do you feel when people ask questions about your allergies?
A: “I don’t mind when people ask me but I typically don’t tell others since I am sometimes private about my allergies.”

Q: What’s the first thing you do when someone gives you a new food you haven’t tried?
A: “First, I ask them to check with my Mom and second, I always read the ingredients. Gotta make sure it’s safe for me.”

Q: What’s the most fun thing about traveling, even with allergies?
A: “Exploring cool places and I love road trips because I get to eat a ton of snacks!”

Q: How do you feel about Dad taking you on this Pro Bowl trip?
A: “It’s gonna be super fun! I think he’ll do a good job, but I’ll help remind him about the food stuff.”

Continue reading →: Allergy Life: Jaxson’s POV
Pro Bowl with a Thermos

January 25, 2025

This household loves football season—well, mostly Jaxson does! One of his Christmas presents this year was tickets to the Pro Bowl in Orlando, FL. It was largely my Husband’s idea, as he’s all about giving experiences rather than toys or games.

It sounds amazing until you factor in managing food allergies on a flight, at a football game, and in a hotel room. Oh, and I’m not going—so the entire responsibility falls on Dad. Traveling with allergies is never easy, even when I’m there to plan everything, so Franck is very brave to take this on solo.

To set him up for success, we had our usual food planning meeting. Yes, we do this before every trip! It includes a detailed spreadsheet that outlines each day, meal, and snack. I’m working on making it blog-friendly so I can share it—it’s been my go-to tool, and I can’t imagine planning a trip without it.

Jaxson, thankfully, is super flexible and low-maintenance when it comes to food. He doesn’t mind eating the same thing every day. Case in point: the snack he’s taken to school since kindergarten—a Nature Valley Gluten-Free Fig Bar and a Strawberry Applesauce Pouch or sometimes GoGo squeeZ. I asked him this morning if he wanted to try a new flavor of fig bar, and his response? “No way!” So, it looks like this snack will be joining them in Orlando, too.

Back to the Pro Bowl trip! Aside from the excitement of seeing Justin Jefferson, here are the key considerations Franck and I planned for:

He loves JJ!!

Duration
They opted for a quick overnight trip to keep things simple and reduce the number of meals Franck has to prepare. Definitely a smart move—less stress for Dad!

Timing of the Game
Jaxson will need to eat before the game since many stadiums in the U.S. restrict outside food. The most accommodating stadium we’ve encountered was Parc des Princes in Paris, where they let us bring a thermos with hot food, and Jaxson was able to eat right at his seat. That’s rare here. Typically, U.S. stadiums require clear, small totes and carefully inspect everything, including his EpiPen case. Our workaround is usually sneaking a small snack in our pockets, which works most of the time!

Hotel Microwave
This is a non-negotiable for me. Franck needs access to a microwave to heat Jaxson’s safe food and prepare hot water for his thermos.

Proximity to a Grocery or Retail Store
Finding a nearby Whole Foods or Target is always a win—they carry plenty of gluten-free options and our favorite brands. If those aren’t available, a Chick-fil-A is our next best option. Failing that, we rely on a grocery store for charcuterie-style lunches with cheese, turkey pepperoni, and Jaxson’s favorite Gatorade.

Flight
Short flights like this one worry me less than long-haul trips like France. When Jaxson was younger, flying was more stressful, but I’ve learned to manage it better over time.

Franck will need to watch out for row-mates eating peanuts, but we’re prepared with masks if needed for airborne particles or nut dust. A fancy blood test two years ago confirmed Jaxson’s nut tolerance is 1/5 of a peanut, and he’s now on Xolair, which helps. Still, they will take precautions: wiping down his seat, seatbelt buckle, and tray, using a seat cover , and slipping long socks over the armrests. A little extra effort goes a long way for safety and hygiene. When Jaxson was younger, our flying routine was much more involved—I’ll share more flying tips in another post!

Here’s to Franck pulling off a successful Pro Bowl adventure and to Jaxson enjoying every moment! 🏈

Continue reading →: Pro Bowl with a Thermos
To Xolair or Not to Xolair: Eight essential things to know before you decide

January 22, 2025
Let’s talk about one of the most popular topics in food allergies today…Xolair. When the idea of Jaxson taking these injections was first introduced, you can imagine that having over 20 years of experience clinical trials came in handy. I went straight to the publications, reached out to Principal Investigators (doctors who run the studies in their clinics) and sought out articles written by past Xolair patients. Note: I am not going to give medical advice here but I will describe our experience to date and the top things to know before heading to the clinic.

8 Essential things to know:
1. This medication is expensive and your insurance may not cover it. We go to Allergy Partners of Chapel Hill, NC. Our office was phenomenal in walking me through the process. They completed all the paperwork and submitted to my insurance. It turned out the drug was nearly covered by my insurance, Aetna. The remaining balance was paid for by the drug manufacturer, Genentech. So, if you do the math, we have no copay. We are VERY lucky as I know many patients who don’t have this luxury.
2. Xolair is an injectable. It is not available in pill form. Unfortunately, this means it is not pain free. Its a thick, refrigerated subcutaneous injection which means it goes directly under skin (not in the muscle). The good news is that you don’t get a sore arm for hours like you do with the Flu shot. Typically, the medicine accumulates under the skin and then dissipates over time. Jaxson always says it burns in the arm during the injection itself but the sensation quickly goes away. Since Jaxson is only 11 years old, he’s not eligible for the auto injector. Only kiddos age 12 and up are approved to use the auto injector. Ours comes in pre-filled syringes.
3. Your dosage is unique to you. That also means, depending on your dosage, you may have multiple injections to receive the correct dose. Jaxson receives the highest dose approved for food allergies, 600mg/ml divided over two syringes (300mg/ml each) every two weeks. He gets one shot in the right arm and one in the left. There is a formula/chart that your doctor will use to calculate the dosage. There are a variety of combinations as it comes in several strengths: (75 mg/ml, 150mg/ml, and 300mg/ml).
4. Xolair is refrigerated. The drug should remain in your refrigerator until ready for use. Our doctor’s office recommended taking the medicine out of the refrigerator one hour ahead of time to make the injections go smoother. Due to the timing, I have to set a reminder to take it out of the refrigerator. Luckily I work from home, so this is easy for me to do. Otherwise, you need to plan ahead.
5. The first few injections are in the clinic and there is an observation period. This is so medical personnel can watch for any reactions. Due to the nature of this drug, there is concern that the patient can react shortly after injection. We had three uneventful injections in the clinic. Its a longer visit so prepare and plan ahead!
6. After the first three injections, you will have the opportunity to inject at home. There are pros and cons to this. Pros are that it is convenient. Cons are that you have to ensure you order and get the drug shipped to your home in time, and also have a caregiver that feels confident enough to administer the injection. Even with my clinical background, I am not great at giving these injections! As with anything, practice helps but Jaxson doesn’t love that!
7. Hydration the day before and day of injection is very helpful so I pack Jaxson Gatorade to drink at school throughout the day. Also, your clinic may vary, but our doctor asks that Jaxson not engage in physical activity for 2 hours post injection. Therefore, I make sure that we do injections on non-soccer days and usually right after school (3:30pm).
8. Xolair’s approved use is important to understand. Every drug comes with a package insert that describes the FDA’s approved indication. In addition to moderate to severe persistent asthma, chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, and spontaneous urticaria – we now have IgE- mediated food allergies since February 2024. More specifically, “patients aged 1 year and older for the reduction of allergic reactions (Type I), including anaphylaxis, that may occur with accidental exposure to one or more foods. To be used in conjunction with food allergen avoidance”. (https://www.gene.com/download/pdf/xolair_prescribing.pdf) This last part is key. Make sure you set your expectations with this entire process. You may find yourself taking these injections for months and still avoiding your allergens. At its current state, Xolair is meant to be a safety net for accidental exposures, not a cure or treatment. There is a lot more research coming and believe me, I will be watching and reading! Please consult with your physician on all of these medically related topics!
Those are my top things to know ahead time. It takes patience, planning, some education and lots of love after the injections. I will be posting more detail on each of these top issues to help you along the way!
Continue reading →: To Xolair or Not to Xolair: Eight essential things to know before you decide
How it All Began

January 22, 2025

Its amazing to believe that we have been living allergy aware for 9 years now! I feel like I have learned so much and yet at the same time, there are so many changes that I am still learning every day!

Our story began in early 2014 when I was introducing new foods to my son. I quickly noticed small patches of irritations on his cheeks. The small patches grew larger and more inflamed. Soon they were oozing and it broke my heart. Honestly, I was often jealous of my friend’s little ones who had perfect skin. But I was determined to figure it out. We were living in Asheville, NC at the time but none of the Pediatricians could give me a diagnosis. “Fungus” said one doctor, “you know, because of the pacifier”. They loaded us up with all of these expensive topical creams. In hindsight, I should not have used most of them as they were very strong. Not good for a young baby.

The start of small, raised patches around his mouth.

Several months later, things changed professionally for me and we moved to Raleigh, NC. Jaxson needed a new Pediatrician and I went straight to Duke Medical Center in Durham, NC. After 5 minutes, Dr. Lisa Ferrari said, “oh he has food allergies, lets test him”. Sure enough, blood and skin tests confirmed Jaxson was allergic to Peanut, Tree Nut, Wheat, Soy, Egg, Corn and Coconut. We immediately cut out all of the allergens and slowly, the patches faded and then disappeared. I was blown away! I was longing for this moment but quickly realized the journey ahead. I look back and think God gave me this child because I was capable of handling this journey. The past 9 years have been filled with ups and downs but believe me, you can do it! There is no finish line, its going to be a constant ongoing awareness, but you learn, grow and become very creative.

His skin immediately cleared up once we removed allergens from his diet.

Continue reading →: How it All Began
Welcome to Living Allergy Aware

January 21, 2025

Hi, I’m Lori, and this is my son, Jaxson. He’s been living with multiple food allergies since he was two. I created Living Allergy Aware to support, educate, and inspire others navigating food allergies. I truly believe that life beyond the food labels is not only possible, but full of adventure! You can explore the world, enjoy amazing foods, and make unforgettable memories—yes, there are some challenges, but there’s always a way to make it work. I hope this blog becomes an inclusive, safe space where you can find helpful resources, creative solutions, and a little bit of inspiration along the way!

Continue reading →: Welcome to Living Allergy Aware