Combined, the initial results and follow-up testing in September 2005 show he is allergic to all the Top 8 allergens. In addition, he is contact allergic at least to wheat and reacts to all these foods through breast milk. We are very fortunate to not have seen any life threatening reactions so far, but food allergies can become life threatening at any time. We keep his EpiPen with him at all times. We strictly avoid any food he has had a positive test or obvious reaction to. We also avoid items that are potentially more allergic in our family history and heavily limit items that cause a reaction only if he eats a significant amount. Since he is contact allergic we also carefully avoid physical contact with all his allergens.

We strictly avoid: peanut, all tree nuts, wheat, eggs, dairy (cows' milk), soy (including soy lecithin and soy oil since he reacts to both), oats, all seafood, all seeds (reacted to sesame with diarrhea and to seed spices with eczema), tropical and stone fruits, food dye, goat milk, chickpeas, peas and other legumes, and the chicory/jerusalem artichoke family. We also avoid lamb, grapes/raisins, strawberries, spinach, olives and other things. We avoid foods that may be cross contaminated or are labelled as "may contains" for all of his allergens.

Today, Nicholas is a happy and active little boy. He is slender, but keeping his growth curve and eating healthy. He prefers flavorful meats and vegetables, and is picky about texture! He also loves lots of fresh fruit.

With lots of support from parents of KidsWithFoodAllergies.org, we've found lots of things he can eat - he doesn't know what you think he's missing :)

Nicholas will be 2 in June 2006. We plan to give him a fun and safe second birthday, including cake free of all the foods he must avoid.

As his parents, it is our duty to keep Nicholas safe. Part of that is helping loved ones understand food allergies, Nicholas' known reactions, how to protect him, how to know if reactions are life threatening, and what to do in all cases.

I've learned a lot from other parents. The people I have met on KidsWithFoodAllergies.org are strong and good. They are mentors - with all they've been through and are still going through. They spend so much caring effort to share their experiences and teach what they know. They are wonderful company to be in, a blessing to those new to the food allergy world and related issues, and the best support group I have found.

These are the most important things I have learned:

• Whatever we have to do, no matter how extreme it may seem, nothing is too much effort to keep our son alive and safe and happy.
• Don't be afraid to stand up for your child, against anyone - that includes schools, businesses, the government, friends, neighbors, relatives and even your spouse. Nobody should be offended that you are paranoid about protecting your child from possible dangers - if they are, they don't belong in your life. Keep good people around you, teach them as best you can, and let go of the ones who won't learn.

Best Wishes, Tina Lin