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From crisis to creation: Amy’s allergy story

When my daughter Iris was diagnosed with severe allergies as a baby, my world shifted dramatically. As an art teacher, I found myself navigating a new reality filled with reactions, eczema flare ups, hospital visits, constant vigilance, and an overwhelming sense of responsibility. The diagnosis triggered PTSD, leading to panic attacks and night terrors.

The early days were particularly challenging. I had returned to my full-time job as an art teacher when Iris was just 6 months old, continuing to breastfeed as it was the only safe feeding option I could trust. Unable to find a formula I felt confident using, I juggled expressing milk at work with the sleepless nights and regular worries of a new parent – all while under immense pressure to maintain some sense of normality.

But this isn’t a story about limitations. It’s about transformation, hope, and creating positive change.

I felt compelled and driven to do something about our situation, because I knew I wasn’t the only one navigating this new and scary world. So, frustrated by the lack of choice and safe feeding options for Iris, I decided to take matters into my own hands. And Grow with Iris was born… 

Through therapy, medication, and an incredible support network, I began to rebuild. I used my savings to start developing a prototype using Froghop, a local product development company. My school friend of 30 years and creative director Sophie came on board to create the branding, unaware that she would go on to have an allergy baby of her own. After we won our first round of grant funding we were able to work with a team of incredible industry experts. Together we created a fortified plant-based growing-up drink that’s free from the six most common food allergens: milk, soya, egg, gluten, tree nuts and peanuts. We also found an amazing UK-based manufacturer. 

This venture has connected me with remarkable individuals in the allergy community – from healthcare professionals and food scientists to other parents who’ve faced similar challenges and pushed my boundaries way out of my comfort zone.

Finding the right support system as Iris grows has been crucial. Iris’ small school, with its on-site cooking and attentive staff who message me about ingredient labels, exemplifies how understanding environments can make a world of difference. We’ve built relationships with healthcare and regulatory experts, plus inspirational figures in the allergy community who are advancing treatments like OIT (Oral Immunotherapy) which brings me hope for Iris’ future and other kids like her.

More importantly, I’ve watched my daughter flourish. Iris approaches life with remarkable resilience and joy, trying every safe activity and food available to her. She’s developed the confidence to advocate for herself, and it’s heartwarming to see her friends become her advocates too.

What I’ve learned is that while allergies are part of our story, they don’t define it. We assess risks carefully but choose not to let fear limit Iris’ experiences.

The whole world might be labelled ‘may contain’, but we’re teaching Iris – and learning ourselves – about building confidence, resilience, and joy in living fully despite these challenges.

As both an allergy mum and a business founder, I now walk in two worlds that I never expected to inhabit. Each day brings new challenges, but also new opportunities to create change. To other parents navigating similar journeys: take it one step at time, trust your instincts, ask for help and never turn it down – something I wish I’d known earlier.

Leaf Leaf