10 Valentine's Gems To Warm Your Heart
by Caroline Moassessi, FAACT Vice President of Community Relations
Where would I be without my food allergy and FAACT family? You are always there for us. Whether it’s a text offering support after an allergic reaction, sharing new food finds, or legal aid for accommodations, the love is there 24/7.
Filled with love for all of you, I want to share 10 of my favorite gems from our FAACT family – resources that have been life-changing for my family and many others.
Top 10 FAACT gems that warm my heart:
- FAACT Programs for Kids and Teens. The joy and sense of belonging I see on the children’s faces at Camp TAG and our Teen Retreat pull at my heart strings every single time, and I encourage every family to get involved. (Our “virtual” Camp TAG makes it even easier to send your kid to camp if you can’t join in person.)
- Signs and Symptoms of Anaphylaxis Poster. This utilitarian treasure is hanging inside my hall closet, taped to my kid’s closet door in her dorm room, and folded up in my purse. The peace of mind it brings is exactly what my heart and mental health need.
- Baking Summer Memories and Red, White, and Blueberry Donuts Blog. Baker Katie Martino Lopez describes the perfect summer of family togetherness without all the stress, bells, and whistles that get in the way of genuine family love. I read this post any time I want to be inspired!
- Food Allergy Resilience Kit. This professionally created toolkit is geared toward children grades K-8, but older teens and adults can use it too! It’s a free, downloadable treasure packed with brightly colored cutouts, activities, and inspiration. The kit was designed to help children look at bad situations and see how they can overcome them. It is a must-download item for every family!
- Navigating Parties, Dating, and Friends at College with Food Allergies Podcast. You know the podcast is going to be powerful when you hear, “Mom, close your ears” from one of the college-aged guests. I was touched by the bravery and honesty of two FAACT Camp Counselors as they shared their challenges and successes navigating the college social scene.
- FAACT’s Pinterest Page for Cultural Allergy Friendly Recipes. As someone always on the prowl for allergen-safe recipes, the beautiful array of dishes on this Pinterest page makes my heart melt! There are enough recipes to make any grandmother proud, from gluten-free Challah to dairy-free Tikka Masala and a simple Adas Polo (Persian rice dish).
- College Resource Center – Legal Considerations. I would be remiss if I didn’t include this gem, which helped my daughter quickly explain why her single dorm room supported her accommodations and therefore needed to be charged at the standard double rate. Using the right words helped her sound like she meant business and knew her rights, and she resolved the problem in less than 20 minutes.
- Newly Diagnosed section. I tear up when I think back to the moment more than two decades ago when a stranger who had heard about my struggle to learn about food allergies handed me a 3-inch-thick binder packed with information. The food allergy diagnosis was incredibly overwhelming, and I had no idea where to turn. When I compare that with today, when a family can visit FAACT’s Newly Diagnosed webpage and find the resources they need any time (some of my best research takes place after midnight), my heart sings.
- Behavioral Health Resource Center. Yes, this entire Resource Center is a shining gem where support and calm can be found. The world is challenging, and sometimes we need tools to help us climb that mountain or simply get through the day. This section of FAACT’s website has resources for kids, teens, adults, parents, and anyone else affected by food allergies.
- Festive Crossword Puzzles and Word Searches. These cheery downloads are free and promise to entertain. Print one out, wrap it around a pencil, and tie it with a bow. Now you have a smartly priced gift for your kids and their friends.
I hope you feel the same love and support when you peruse these gems as I have.
The entire FAACT Family wishes you a heart-felt
Happy Valentine’s Day!
