Help Katie raise money

Hi! I'm Katie and I'm running the 2022 Falmouth Road Race to help bring awareness to food allergies and asthma. 

Like most families, food has always been a huge part of our everyday life. Holidays, cookouts, Sunday dinners....you name it, we could come up with a reason and a meal to gather together. It's funny how something as simple as food can be easily taken for granted. 

Within a timespan of six years, five of my close family members have been diagnosed with severe food allergies. My personal story revolves around my son, Jack, who is ten years old and allergic to gluten, eggs, dairy, legumes, and shellfish. For the better part of two months last Spring, Jack was just so sick and we couldn't find the reason. Seemingly out of the blue, he went from being an active child to home from school most days. Blood tests and scans revealed his little body was in fight mode, and everyday pain became an unfortunate norm. We had countless appointments with Jack's awesome GI/allergy team at MGH and they were able to pinpoint and eliminate the allergens that were causing such harm. Fast forward a year, and Jack is back in action! Our family has completely changed the way we eat, as well as how we perceive food. It's been a worrisome struggle but I feel so fortunate that Jack is better and able to maintain a healthy, happy life. 

There is SO much that is still unknown about allergies and how/why they develop. SO many families and individuals live in fear of a severe reaction or severe asthma attack. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America and specifically https://www.aafa.org/aafa-new-england-chapter/ works to raise money for research and education while searching for a cure, as well as supporting those who are burdened with asthma and allergies. 

Any amount is appreciated as I reach my goal!! I'll be out on the course in August with a big smile on my face for Jack, my niece Lainey, my nephew Kellan, and my brother & sister!! 😎