Eating isn’t always easy for 9-year-old A.J. Schrempp of Centerville.
“I just got to be careful. I can’t take any risks,” A.J. said. He’s been living with severe food allergies since he was just a toddler. “Peanuts, most all tree nuts, coconut and sesame,” are foods A.J. said he must avoid.
The first time he had a reaction, his mother, Candy Schrempp, didn’t realize what it was.
“He immediately started vomiting and gasping and coughing,” she said.
Another reaction, testing and more education, and A.J. hasn’t had one since. But if someone isn’t careful, he could. That’s why his family carries an Epi-Pen with them everywhere they go.
With Beggar’s Night approaching, you may see teal pumpkins on porches. They let kids like A.J. know there are alternative, safe options to candy being given out, such as pencils, crayons or small, inexpensive toys.
Related: When is Beggar’s Night in your community?
“We’re seeing more and more in the community; several of the stores are actually selling teal pumpkins now,” said Candy Shrempp.
Her group FEAT — Families Educating Allergy/Asthma Together — ask that more households offer alternatives. The group meets a few times a year for activities with their kids and offers support and advice on its Facebook page.