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Join Kyle Dine at FAACT's Teen Conference in Chicago, October 24-26th!

October 7, 2014  |  Adolescents, Adults, Advocacy, Allergy, Awareness, Blog, Chicago, College, Dining-out, Education, Epinephrine, FAACT-Teen-Conference, Food-allergy-blog, KyleDine, Support, Teen-Conference, Teens
Join Kyle Dine at FAACT's Teen Conference in Chicago, October 24-26th!

Kyle Dine knows food allergies. He is allergic to peanut, tree nuts, egg, and mustard. He turned his life-threatening food allergies into a career in music and education, working to empower youth and pass along the message that food allergies are manageable. Although Kyle’s music is aimed at young children, he has also spent years working with teens through Anaphylaxis Canada. Our teens are far more likely to take risks with their food allergies. Kyle can talk to teens about what it’s like to be in their shoes – and how they can safely get to the other side. Here’s what Kyle has to say about his teen years. 

When I was a teen growing up with food allergies, I made many mistakes. I didn’t take them as seriously as I should have. I thought I was invincible, and I really didn’t want to stick out among my friends.

After many close calls, reactions, and one big wake up call, I wish I could go back and tell my teenage self what I know now. Although that’s impossible, I have found great enjoyment working with and providing resources for allergic teens. Allergy support and education for teens has been a major priority for Anaphylaxis Canada, and I personally love creating resources such as Web sites, videos, high school programs, and even smartphone apps that speak to teens on their level.

I am thrilled to help with the FAACT Teen Conference this month in Chicago. I truly believe conferences like this can make a huge difference in how a teen perceives his or her food allergy within a social context. As we all know, being social and being a teen go hand in hand. The goal throughout the summit will be to get teens to connect with each other, make new friends, learn new strategies on how to stay safe in various situations, and to realize that they can keep safe with their allergies while maintaining a normal teenage life.

I understand if a teen is “on the fence” about going to a conference all about food allergies. When I was a teen, I would have likely opted for sleeping in on the weekends! However, after a weekend of games, fun, new friends, support, and inspiring speakers, the FAACT Teen Conference will be well worth it! And what better way to celebrate Halloween than with friends who get it?! Hope to see you there!

Register today at https://www.foodallergyawareness.org/programs/FAACTs-Annual-Teen-Conference/.