We recently had the opportunity to talk to the newest co-leader of the Montreal support group, Jessy Ranger!
Can you tell us a little about your background and connection to food allergy?
My youngest son, Philippe, was diagnosed with 30 food allergies between the age of 6 and 12 months. Consequently, since his birth we have lived our lives managing his food allergies.
Please share your food allergy stories, who has them in your family, what are they allergic to?
Philippe is now almost 8 years old and he has 11 food allergies remaining (wheat, barley, rye, milk, egg, peanut, cashew, pistachio, trout, banana and kiwi). He is undergoing oral immunotherapy for 5 of these allergens (wheat, milk, egg, peanut and cashew). He also has oral allergy syndrome related to birch pollen, causing oral reactions to peaches, nectarines, raw apples and peppers, in addition to seasonal allergies and allergy to pet dander.
How do you feel that your support group assists families in the Greater Montreal Area in dealing with issues regarding food allergy?
For me, the most important factor in our situation is to have access to information. I consider being part of a support group that allows people to share their insight and experience is crucial in the journey of people with allergies, in addition to allowing our community to relate to the issues experienced by other members. It’s one more tool in our toolkit.
Where can people find out more information?
There are a few ways to learn more about the support group: by visiting our website at allergiesmontreal.weebly.com/, by checking out our Facebook page @allergiesmontreal and requesting to join the private support page, or simply by writing to us at allergiesmontreal@gmail.com.
Tags: support group