“I am determined to pursue a career in medicine and discover cures of conditions that may help shape and save the lives of others.”

Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are a staple in every household, right? No, not in my household ever since I was 19 months old and experienced an anaphylactic reaction to peanuts. My pediatrician described it as the worst anaphylactic reaction he has seen in his 30 year career. If it was not for medicine and the pediatrician that took care of me during this life changing event, I would not be where I am today. Having the constant fear of food allergies makes my existence more difficult than the average human being. Living each and every day with the persistent worry of digesting, inhaling or being in the same environment with food that I can not eat is very frightening. Ever since I was old enough to read, I have been taking every precaution possible so that I do not make the mistake of eating food that could harm me. In order for me to stay safe, I always have to carry along my epinephrine pen and be prepared to ask all questions necessary about the food that will be served. Carrying this life sustaining medication has motivated me to seek a career in medicine and to become a surgeon one day. Ever since I was a little girl, I have always desired to be the one to find a cure for cancer or to help someone that is in need. By living with a food allergy, I have had to learn vital skills that are required in order to maintain my safety. Communicating with chefs and managers at restaurants about the risks associated with their foods has proven to be a necessity. I have learned about wise decision making when determining if it is safe to ingest a food that may be manufactured in a facility that processes these items or poses cross contamination risks. Reading food labels for allergen details has also promoted a healthier lifestyle since I know what I am ingesting. I am further increasing my knowledge of food allergies and the effects it has on the body while completing a research mentorship program through the University of North Carolina Chapel Hill Institute of Medicine. I envision that my guided research will contribute to improvements in allergy treatments, innovative allergen testing, and food education. With insufficient knowledge of the foods we eat, home cooking has become more popular in the food allergen community because of the fear of unidentified ingredients and cross contamination. I feel more confident and safe when ingesting foods that I cook myself, which is what my parents do for my younger brothers, who also have nut allergies. Considering allergies have played a major role in my family with a near death experience, I am determined to pursue a career in medicine and discover cures of conditions that may help shape and save the lives of others.

-Hayden C.