Morgan Klachefsky, a resident of Winnipeg, shares her personal experience in this First Person piece. For more stories like this, visit the FAQ section.
When my son Simon was only 18 months old, I unknowingly gave him a cashew, leading to a severe allergic reaction. Within an hour, we were rushing to the Winnipeg HSC Children’s Emergency Department as Simon’s face swelled up.
In the emergency room, a doctor quickly assessed Simon’s condition and confirmed he was experiencing an anaphylactic reaction due to a deadly cashew and pistachio allergy diagnosis.
Leaving the hospital, I carried a weight of realization that my child’s life was at risk from something as common as food. This awareness compelled me to educate myself and those around Simon on managing and preventing exposure to allergens.
Seeking Control
Accepting the uncontrollable nature of Simon’s allergies, I devoted myself to minimizing risks. Despite attending classes and becoming well-prepared, fear overwhelmed me, leading to excessive caution in entrusting Simon’s care to others besides my husband and me.
I hesitated to allow him normal childhood experiences like playdates and parties, always opting to supervise closely. However, Simon’s resilience gradually inspired me to address not his allergies, which were unchangeable, but my mental well-being.
I realized that my fear-driven behavior hindered rather than helped. Over time, I learned to trust other parents, gradually letting Simon participate in social activities without constant supervision.
Adapting Coping Strategies
Witnessing Simon’s growing confidence, I recognized the need to address my anxieties. Striving to be a supportive and present mother, I worked on overcoming fear and relinquishing excessive control over Simon’s activities.
Gradually, I allowed Simon more autonomy, teaching him about his allergies and how to manage them independently. He learned to discern safe foods, administer an EpiPen, and advocate for his safety among friends and their parents.
I realized that fear was
