For two decades, being the mother of a child with a life-threatening food allergy has been an experience filled with anxiety and alertness. Observing my son’s throat constrict, witnessing the fear in his eyes, and hearing his desperate cries not to perish are haunting memories ingrained in my mind, moments that underscore the gravity of anaphylaxis.
This personal struggle fuels my outrage towards a recent article regarding a new movie, “The Roses,” which trivializes food allergies and misrepresents the use of epinephrine. Such representations are not merely inaccurate; they can lead to detrimental misconceptions, overshadowing the lethal reality many face, as evidenced by the unfortunate demise of Natasha Ednan-Laperouse due to anaphylaxis.
Amidst my professional obligations, including speaking at the Global Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Forum (GAFA), I continue to emphasize how humor about food allergies affects public perception, fostering a lack of gravity in essential instances. During the conference, accounts of Canadian adolescents losing their lives to food allergies intensified my concern over the film’s portrayal.
The irresponsibility of media depictions goes beyond just being offensive; they foster environments where individuals with food allergies may not receive crucial accommodations, heightening dangers in public spaces. Voices like Natasha’s family, along with organizations such as the Natasha Allergy Research Foundation (NARF), play a vital role in rectifying these misconceptions.
Practical transformation is essential — in media, public legislation, and societal views. It is disheartening that families impacted must continuously advocate for acknowledgment of the seriousness of food allergies while dealing with loss. Misrepresentations, like those in “The Roses,” can cultivate perilous assumptions even among those responsible for passenger safety, as highlighted by past incidents with airlines where crew underestimated anaphylaxis.
Education is key to changing culture. Accurate media representations and heightened public consciousness regarding the severity of food allergies can potentially preserve lives. The influence of media is significant, capable of both positive and negative effects, making it essential for the entertainment industry to consult experts when portraying such serious conditions.
To all supporters, wherever you encounter mockery of food allergies — speak up, do not laugh, do not perpetuate harm. Food allergies, though not visible, have a tangible effect on those impacted. They warrant the same seriousness given to other medical conditions.
Through unwavering advocacy, we can strive for a world where ridicule of anaphylaxis becomes unacceptable. Gradual increases in awareness are impactful. I encourage ongoing discussion and shared experiences, as each voice adds to the understanding needed for a safer, more inclusive community.
Lianne Mandelbaum stands as a prominent advocate for policy reforms aimed at safeguarding those with food allergies, particularly in air travel, leveraging her experiences to instigate change through conversations with policymakers, media, and advocacy organizations. She actively participates on platforms such as X, Facebook, and LinkedIn.