“I used sports as a way to overcome and persevere and never allowed my food allergies to define me.”

Growing up, asthma and allergies have been a focal point in my life. Diagnosed with severe egg, milk, dairy, wheat and soy allergies, my parents referred to me as their “boy in the bubble.” Missing out on events such as birthday parties, trips with friends, and field trips to avoid allergic reactions, were a normal part of life for me.

Any cross contamination would result in a trip to the hospital to treat anaphylaxis. Rushing to the closest emergency room an average of 2-3 times a year. I became consumed with what could happen with any allergic reaction to food. I am unable to eat out at most restaurants, have to constantly check labels, and have to pack my own food when going places. Every meal and every snack could lead to a major reaction and I had to be ready with my epipen and medicines.

Initially I allowed my food allergies to affect my confidence, but sports allowed me the chance to push through these barriers. I chose cross country, wrestling and track, because they were individual sports that required dedication to physical fitness and mental toughness. I worked hard at practice and pushed myself at every competition. I won wrestling matches frequently, and drastically improved my running times. There were tough, disappointing days where I missed a wrestling match or running meets our team was hosting due to an anaphylactic emergency room visit. Much to the surprise of teammates and coaches, I would always return the next day ready for class, practice or a competition. I never wanted my health barriers to be seen as a weakness or an excuse, I knew I just needed to push harder through it the next day.

Last year I was lucky to become part of a research food allergy clinic that requires me to travel to Long Beach every 6 to 8 weeks. The goal is for my body to eventually tolerate my allergens. The program forces me to hold to a strict diet of specific foods that contain specific amounts of my different allergens. I am required to eat these foods at set times throughout the day. If the program doesn’t work for me, I hope the research I am a part of will eventually help others who have severe food allergies.

My food allergies are still present. I don’t allow them to define me, but they continue to shape my life. I am now a college athlete competing in cross country and track. I am most proud I accomplished all of this while dealing with my food allergies. Managing to simultaneously keep to my strict allergen diet, while still eating healthy enough to have energy for sports. I used sports as a way to overcome and persevere and never allowed my food allergies to define me. I think I have endured and adapted, and the food allergies have provided me the opportunity to become more resilient. One day I hope to no longer be the “boy in the bubble”.

- Brandon