I was diagnosed with anaphylaxis at 9 months old and lived 21 years without a severe reaction. That changed in 2022 when I had my first anaphylactic shock after eating at a restaurant I had safely visited before. Two doses of adrenaline and hours in the hospital saved me, but my immune system was never the same. Since then, I’ve had three more anaphylactic reactions, all requiring hospitalization.
I manage severe allergies to all nuts, raw/whole eggs, sesame, poppy, mustard, other seeds, pineapple, horseradish, and pet dander, making daily life challenging. Eating out is especially stressful, never knowing how well my allergens will be handled.
As a PhD student in Regenerative Medicine and a Clinical Trichologist in training, I bring both scientific knowledge and lived experience to allergy advocacy. Through my Instagram @nutfreeleah, I share my journey to help others feel heard, informed, and safe while raising awareness for better allergy management.