Mother develops products to alert about her son’s food allergies

Iris son, Ben, was diagnosed with several food allergies when he was 2 years old. When Ben went to preschool, Iris wanted to find an approach to protect him and teach him about his health concerns in a funny and non-intimidating way. She searched for an accessory that her son could use to serve as a personal and constant reminder of his allergies.

“I wanted to purchase something that would not only protect him but also make him feel good about himself.”, she said.

Iris was not able to find anything, so she decided to create something for her son and other children to alert adults about their allergies. Shestarted by drawing allergy-related characters and writing funny stories and poems about them. Her kids helped naming the characters and spread the word about the characters and the stories to their friends. She call them the AllerMates!

“This showed me that kids are eager to understand medical health issues when there is an engaging way to learn about them and also that kids too can have a sense of style!”, Iris said.

Iris started by making wristbands and soon she began to create more products for kids with food allergies and other medical health conditions, such as diabetes, asthma and epilepsy. This products now include , including apparel, medicine carrying bags, smart phone apps and a line of children’s books. AllerMates has 14 characters, representing 14 of the most popular allergens including peanut, nut, dairy, egg, wheat, and asthma, each with its own distinctively fun character, and the products bright, fun and kid friendly.

“Our goal is not only to safeguard children with allergies but also to help foster their self-esteem.”, Iris said.

The AllerMates website also has a fully functional social community allowing its members free and easy interaction and sharing of the latest blogs, news, videos and information within the allergy community.

“We are absolutely thrilled to be able to help families grow stronger and healthier together!”, Iris said.

Adapted from:
https://www.fatherville.com/index.php/2016/03/14/fatherville-interview-i...
https://www.medicaldaily.com/allermates-new-allergy-bracelets-could-save...
https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/allermates--the-wiggles-band-to...

More info: https://allermates.com/pages/about-us
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7B3l4bCHiRo