Mom Demands School Go Peanut-Free For Allergic Child

[MADem]

450. A major time commitment for a normal life. I think, if there's a treatment available for a kid

in these circumstances, it wouldn't matter how much of a "time commitment" must be invested, if, after four months, five months, even a year, there's a VERY good chance--not an uncertain one--it's seventy percent or better--that the kid will be cured or at least have less severe reactions.

I'd home school for a year, if that's what it took. I just don't think that the "too much time" excuse suffices. A year of inconvenience against a lifetime of of terror? People with peanut allergies live tortured, scary lives, and there's a way to solve the problem. I'd solve it. Even if I had to move closer to the allergist, rent out the house to a short term renter, and live in an apartment for a year.

Very recently, in the last three years, I had to make a similar decision. I had a relative who had a massive stroke and, even after months of hospitalization, needed a shitload of care and therapy that wasn't covered by insurance. I am retired, so I packed my bags, moved and got some training from the physical therapists. I was gone from my home and family for nearly a year, but I got that relative out of a wheelchair, off the walker, and reasonably independent on a cane, and able to drive. You do what you have to do for family--you sacrifice.

As for airlines and peanuts, most aren't buying it. Delta will make "special arrangements" and so will Air Canada, but they want YOU to clean your own seat (sort of screws up the purpose) and they guarantee absolutely nothing. If you are at all familiar with the shitty job that cabin cleaners do, that's just a false sense of security--bring the epi-pens.

You will, of course, make your own decision, but if it were me, I'd roll the dice. And if it didn't work, I'd look for an immunosuppressant trial, where they administer those drugs, then challenge while the immunosuppressant is active in the body, and take it from there. It is showing huge promise. For a kid to have even a chance at a normal life, it's worth it, IMO.

Peanuts are everywhere, and the way that businesses solve the problem is to post that "We cannot guarantee" caveat--no one will say that they are "peanut free"--not a plane, not a restaurant, and not a school. The liability is too great and it's just impossible to frisk/supervise everyone to guarantee compliance.