Just a reminder as the holidays get closer for everyone to be mindful of MLMs, and to watch for their deceitful sales practices. They like to use the holidays to encourage purchases, as this is peak season for sales and gift giving. The holidays are already an expensive time with buying gifts, and traveling. Most participants in MLM are losing money (as high as 99%). This pressure to buy from MLM around the holidays only takes more money from people. They may also use the MLM as a way to make more money for the holidays if you join.
There is a cool crisp in the air. The birds are beginning to migrate to the south, and the leaves are starting to change color and fall off the trees. Autumn is once again among us, and the holidays are quickly approaching. Halloween is tomorrow! Many people are in good spirits around this time of year, planning festivities as the end of the year inches closer. A lot of people have parties and parades for the Halloween season. Spooky season is also the first season that brings us into colder weather, which is when so many people like to roast marshmallows, and snuggle up next to fireplaces with hot chocolate. Halloween is known for being an exciting time to carve pumpkins, tell scary stories, and go to haunted attractions. Although that is true for most people, for some, the scariest part of anything is the fear of the unknown.
Trunk-or-Treat
Halloween is a fun time for many children to go trick-or-treating and eat candy. Even though Halloween may have looked a little different for me while I was growing up, my parents were very supportive and helpful when it came to my galactosemia. When I was younger, my mom would order diary-free chocolate for me from Chocolate Emporium. When I was really little, she would give it to our neighbors, and they would hand it out to me when I went to their house. As I got older, she would order chocolate and put it out for me to have as an option after I went trick-or-treating. Now, society is more aware of food allergies than they were 20 years ago, and there are even more options available than ever before. Including for Halloween, in which families around the world now participate in the Teal Pumpkin Project.
The Teal Pumpkin Project
The Teal Pumpkin Project makes trick-or-treating safer and more inclusive for children living with food allergies, and many others impacted by intolerances and other conditions. Placing a teal pumpkin on your doorstep shows that, in addition to candy, you offer non-food toys and treats, such as glow sticks or stickers. This simple act encourages inclusion for all trick-or-treaters.
Origins of the Teal Pumpkin Project
The Teal Pumpkin Project began in 2014. It was inspired by a local awareness activity that was run by the Food Allergy Community of East Tennessee (FACET), but has since grown worldwide. Teal is used because it is the designated color for food allergy awareness, and it has been used for medical conditions that are food-related for over 20 years.
Why is The Teal Pumpkin Project Important?
Halloween can be a hard time for families who are managing food allergies. Many traditional Halloween treats are not safe for children with life-threatening food allergies. The Teal Pumpkin Project encourages inclusion, safety and respect of individuals managing food allergies. This worldwide movement offers an alternative for children with food allergies, as well as other children whom candy is not an option for. It keeps Halloween a fun, positive experience for everyone!
The Teal Pumpkin Project Map
By putting a teal pumpkin on your doorstep, you let kids know that your house is food allergy-friendly.
Adding your home to The Teal Pumpkin Project Map makes your house easy to find for those who are looking for non-food treats. The more houses added to the Map, the more inclusive and fun we can make Halloween!
Moving Forward
I wish that the Teal Pumpkin Project was around when I was growing up. It is a worldwide movement that will only grow larger, as more people spread awareness about it. I was lucky enough to have parents who helped me navigate my food intolerance when I was younger, though. I am glad to see the progress that we are making with the steps forward to make Halloween and other festivities inclusive for all. I can’t wait to see where we go in the future!
Below is a video sharing tips on how to keep Halloween safe, specifically with food allergies. Everyone have a safe and fun time trick-or-treating this year!
There soon may be a treatment for people living with Galactosemia!‼️Govorestat (AT-007) demonstrates consistent and sustainable clinical benefit in children with Galactosemia across symptoms of the greatest concern to patients and caregivers. Galactosemia Foundation encourages the FDA to listen to the voices of patients and caregivers when reviewing this potential treatment. Sign the petition for them to review and approve the treatment here:
Pave the Way, FDA, for the Potential First Treatment for Galactosemia
Happy World Rare Disease Day!! It is important to spread awareness and education about these conditions, diseases and illnesses. Access to care needs to improve for these people who are living with one. It should be available to all.
