A Day in the Life of an EpiPen
GUEST BLOG: Nine-year-old Preeti
Preeti was thirteen-months-old when her family first found out about her allergy to tree nuts. Preeti has grown up being very aware of her allergy and the care she must take to keep herself safe. Recently, Preeti wrote a story about the important role the EpiPen plays in her life.
I, EpiPen, had always wanted to be useful – to be used. This is the story of why I was owned by Preeti.
She was three or four years old and had never used me. “Preeti!” her mother called. “Put on your EpiPen. You can’t forget it.”
Then her dad yelled, “Maybe we shouldn’t go. Someone emailed me that there may be nuts at dessert.”
“Where?” Preeti screamed. “Where? Where? Where?”
Apparently, they were going to Preeti’s Aunty Maya and Uncle Nick’s wedding. Preeti’s mom insisted that they go to the wedding. My spirits soared.
We arrived late to the party, which would mean less time for Preeti to make use of me. Finally, Uncle Nick’s mother brought out desserts. They were safe, safe, and … the last platter was covered in nuts! We started leaving so we didn’t get close to the nuts. Soon everybody noticed we were going, and hugged and kissed Preeti, of course, because she was the cute little toddler.
"I hope that one day food allergies will not exist and we will not have a purpose at all."
Preeti swelled up and she started gasping for air like a beached fish. Her parents took me out of my case. I was going to be used! Then, they injected me into her, and I felt all my epinephrine – our version of blood – leaking out. My last thought was: I probably saved her life.
Now that I’ve been used and told my story to my fellow EpiPens, we’ve decided that we’re important; we save lives, but being used is not fun – it’s scary. I hope that one day food allergies will not exist and we will not have a purpose at all.
Preeti isn’t the only one with anaphylaxis. People all around the world can’t eat certain foods without fearing a reaction or death. You too can help to raise awareness and find a cure!
Preeti can’t wait for the day a cure is found for food allergy. She wants to do everything she can to help that day happen, which is why her family is supporting Walk for Andrea on Sunday, September 24. Walk for Andrea, which takes place at Milne Dam Conservation Park and Trail in Markham, raises funds in support of The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Program at SickKids. Visit http://walkforandrea.ca/ to learn more, register for the Walk or donate.
