Rebecca’s Mom’s Story
Our lives pivoted on a single instant in time - when I decided to let Rebecca lick a piece of chocolate with chopped nuts in it. I remember this moment like it was yesterday. I went back and forth in my mind, wanting to let her have the whole chocolate, and then thinking she had already had enough junk food that Christmas day. Then the thought to let her have "just a lick" popped into my mind, and that is what I did.
This may sound corny to some, but I believe that that "just a lick" thought was sent to me from Rebecca's Guardian Angel, or perhaps mine, or from my Mom, who had passed away just a few months prior. It was definitely divine, and I thank God every day that I listened to it.
I believe that had Rebecca eaten that piece of chocolate she would not be with us right now. Her body reacted so violently to such a tiny amount; I dread the thought of what a whole candy would have done, especially since we were so oblivious to what was actually happening and of course had no EpiPen around.
I am also grateful that she did have this reaction because we found out about her allergy and how serious it is. That lick was a blessing for our family.
Before Rebecca was diagnosed with a nut allergy, I was very naïve about food allegries. I did not understand what it meant to be allergic to Peanuts or Nuts. I certainly did not understand how gut-wrenching it would be, how much sleep I would lose worrying about what could happen, how hurt I would be when people did not "get it".
Since then, I've seen the best-intentioned friends bring cookies with nuts to a party, and then see the horror on their face when it was brought to their attention. I've spoken with manufacturers who did not want to give out information about their food processing and ingredients. I've seen recalls that have shocked me. I've spent hours in supermarkets reading ingredient lists. I've been reduced to tears in the store trying to find Rebecca a safe last-minute holiday treat. I've been accused of being over-protective and I'm sure I've offended some people by not letting Rebecca eat certain foods.
Unfortunately, to really understand this allergy,
you need to live with it, day in and day out, and it can
never slip your mind.
I bring to Rebecca's Nut-Free all of my experiences as a mom.
Rebecca's Nut-Free #1 priority is the safety of our products. The
only reason we are in business is to provide safe Peanut and Nut-Free
treats. My company is dedicated to
serving
people who need Peanut and Nut-Free foods, and delighting our customer
with our service and quality. We research
every ingredient to make sure it is Peanut and Nut-Free,
and also produced in a Peanut and Nut-Free plant. Sometimes this
means that our ingredients cost more. Sometimes it means we cannot
produce a product that we would like.
We will never compromise the safety of our product.
Rebecca's Nut-Free exists to improve the quality of life, albeit in a small way, for those allergic to Peanuts or Nuts. We make delicious baked goods that everyone will enjoy. Your child and their friends eyes will light up when they see our cookies coming - we want Rebecca's Nut-Free to be a special treat that all children love.
Perhaps, someday, there will be a cure for Peanut and Nut allergies. I look forward to this with great anticipation. Until then, Rebecca's Nut-Free will keep baking and we hope to make your celebration a little sweeter.
Best,
Christyne LaPlaca
Rebecca's Mom
