The Teal Pumpkin Project has been around since Halloween 2012, and I think many of us are pretty familiar with it. Being an allergy mom, my initial thought is - of course everyone knows what those teal pumpkins mean! But you know what...maybe not everyone does. Maybe you've heard of it but are unaware of the full details of the project. Maybe you didn't realize that you can easily become involved! Have no fear, because I am here to tell you all about it!
Let me start by giving the story of my son's food allergies:
My 10 year old's allergy journey began the week he was born. From his first week of life, my baby boy was covered head to toe in rashes and eczema. He also coughed and vomited nonstop. I already know what you're thinking - babies spit up, that's normal! But what my baby did was NOT normal. He vomited all day long. His rashes and eczema bled terribly, because he scratched at it all day. It eventually turned into scabs that covered his entire body. I kept taking him into the pediatrician, asking what was wrong and how can we help him! Unfortunately, I didn't get anywhere and was told by the doctor that they frown upon allergy testing babies under 12 months old. One day, after getting an immunization that contained egg in it, my son had a horrible allergic reaction. I was told that most likely he was allergic to egg, and the shot he received earlier that day had caused his reaction. This was pretty upsetting to me, and I immediately switched pediatricians. The new doctor allergy tested him right away and we finally found some answers. She called me with his results and told me I need to get a pen and paper and take notes because my son is allergic to several foods, more than she's ever seen before. She also said to be aware of anything new he eats, because they are unable to test for every food, and if it's this bad there are probably other allergies. His results are off the charts, she couldn't even give me a number for the severity of many of the foods because numbers that high just do not exist on the test.
I listened to the doctor, shocked, as I wrote down over 30 foods she read off to me.
So here we are today, my son is in 5th grade, and we have added even more foods to the list. How many? Well, we are currently instructed to keep over 100 foods out of his diet. The good news? He outgrew some allergies! Dairy, eggs, soy, oats, broccoli, quinoa, and just last week we found out he can finally have a few tree nuts! The bad news? He is still allergic to over 100 foods and has been administered an EpiPen quite a few times. We've also had to call 911 and get him go to the hospital for serious reactions we could not stop at home. I have some really upsetting stories and he has been through some trauma from these experiences. As you can imagine, Halloween can be a very challenging day for him. Thankfully, he has a Mama who puts together a bag of safe candies for him every year. When the trick or treating is complete, I trade him his bag for the one I made him. I also volunteer at his school and provide the treats for his classroom party, which can be difficult when you are a working parent. I've lucked out and have been able to make it there every year (knock on wood!).
I could go on and on about my son's allergy struggles and scares - but I think you get the point. Allergies are no joke, and Halloween can be a difficult time for these kids. Often, they feel left out and like outsiders. Honestly, allergy kids can feel a lot of emotions during Halloween activities. I've seen it with my own son and I wish I could make it better, I sure do try my best.
The Teal Pumpkin Project is a wonderful way to help kids with food allergies feel included on Halloween! If you are unsure how it works, here are the details:
1. Put a teal pumpkin outside your home. You can buy one, you could paint a pumpkin, or you could simply put a sign on your door! When kids with food allergies see this, they know you have a safe treat for them in place of food.
2. Keep your regular candy bowl but get a second bowl just for the allergy kids. In this bowl you can put non-food items, but be sure to stay away from ballons (latex allergy) and playdough (wheat allergy). Some ideas: bubbles, stickers, removable tattoos, or small inexpensive toys. This year, I am using the leftover party favors from all my kids' birthday parties. One of them had a Disney Villian themed party - so those will really work out well for Halloween!
3. Try to keep the kids who do not have allergies out of your non-food bowl. It's tough, and I've had to tell quite a few kids that these items are for the trick-or-treaters who can't eat candy. Usually they get it, but some little ones don't quite understand. As much as I would like to give someone something they see and like, I would run out if I allowed that. I usually have a sign on the bowl to help make it clear.
4. Register your house on The Teal Pumpkin Project Map! This map is used by allergy families every Halloween. The Map resets each year, so signing up today will only commit you to this Halloween. You will have to sign up again next year if you decide to participate again. I, personally, use this map to take my son to all the houses in our town. He gets excited for it and loves to see the different items people come up with! To sign up for this year's Halloween, use this link provided by FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education) : The Teal Pumpkin Project Map - FoodAllergy.org After you've signed up, share it on social media so that others learn about it as well! Awareness is key!
5. Spend your Halloween seeing the happy faces of kids who stopped by your house because they knew someone there cared about them. For an extra bonus - take a look at mom and dad. I can tell you that it means just as much to us as it does our kids. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for taking this extra effort for our children this Halloween. We will always remember it.
Click here for a Teal Pumpkin Project printable sign for your door, provided by FARE
Get Your Teal Pumpkin Project Printables! - FoodAllergy.org
For more information on FARE and the work they do, please visit their website at:
