The Bite That Changed Everything: Why I Started Allergy Alliance

You never expect one bite of a cupcake to land you in the emergency room. But that’s exactly what happened to me — and it’s the reason I started Allergy Alliance.

Hi, I’m Eileen, the founder of Allergy Alliance and an incoming junior in high school. I’ve had severe food allergies for as long as I can remember — to nuts, peanut butter, shellfish, soy, and more. I’ve always been extremely careful. I read every label, carry my EpiPen with me everywhere, and try to stay one step ahead.

But a few months ago, everything changed.

I was at a friend’s house and ate a cupcake I thought was just chocolate. Almost immediately, I realized something was wrong — it was a Reese’s cupcake. My body reacted instantly. I felt the tightness in my throat, the panic rising in my chest, the heat rush to my face. I didn’t wait around. I went home as fast as I could, gave myself my EpiPen, and my mom rushed me to the hospital.

But things got worse — fast.

At the ER, I needed a second EpiPen. My reaction was that severe. I spent almost the entire day in the hospital, hooked up to monitors, trying to stay calm while everything in me felt like it was shutting down. It was terrifying. I knew how serious allergies could be, but that was the first time I truly felt how close I was to something irreversible.

That experience stayed with me. Not just because of how scary it was - but because I realized how easily it could happen to someone else. And not everyone is as lucky as I was. That’s when I decided I had to do something.

That’s why I created Allergy Alliance.

What Allergy Alliance Is All About

Allergy Alliance is here to create change - for kids, teens, families, and schools. We’re building a space where people with allergies feel empowered, not afraid.

We’re here to:

• Raise awareness that food allergies are life-threatening - not a trend or an inconvenience

• Help students speak up about their needs and safety without feeling embarrassed

• Provide schools and families with easy-to-use resources to keep kids safe

• Push for access to epinephrine (EpiPens) - because no one should be without the medication that can save their life

This blog will be a place for real stories, practical tools, and ways to take action. Whether you have allergies, care for someone who does, or want to help make a difference - you’re in the right place.

Thank you for being here. Let’s make things safer, stronger, and better - together.

-Eileen

Founder, Allergy Alliance