Finding Comfort, Support & Connections at the Food Allergy Blogger’s Conference

Jennifer Roberge and Selena Bluntzer at FABlogCon 2013

FABlogCon was, well, Fab! The first annual Food Allergy Blogger’s Conference blew me, and absolutely everyone else that I spoke, with away. The only negative is that we have to wait a whole year until we get to reunite in person again. It was beyond humbling to be in a roomful of others who just “get it.” No need to explain the daily stress of parenting a child with multiple food allergies, eczema, and asthma. The 120+ in attendance have the same daily struggles and while I would never wish this kind of stress upon anyone, I was thankful for the unconditional support and simple understanding from everyone at the conference. I’ve been in touch with many of these bloggers for several years now, finally getting to sit down with them and just be together, was phenomenal. Our online community became a tight-knit family during the conference and no momentum was lost as the conference came to a close. Interestingly enough, each day this family just grows stronger as we continue to lift each other up and raise awareness.

There are numerous reviews of the event online, so I’ll just point out a few here.

From the master planners:

Jenny of Multiple Food Allergy Help (the woman with the genius idea and the strength to pull it all off!)

Homa of Oh Mah Deehness

Homa & Jenny of the Food Allergy Blogger's Conference

Homa & Jenny!

And take a look at this one from my roommate at the event, who volunteered tirelessly before, during, and after the event. Selena of Amazing & Atopic.

Jennifer Roberge and Selena BluntzerFriends and roommates, Jennifer and Selena Bluntzer (Amazing & Atopic).

And here you have a master list of all the blog reviews and comments from attendees and sponsors. Take a look at what Enjoy Life Foods and FARE had to say!

Thank you to my Sponsors!

Now I really want to thank my sponsors for sending me to this event. I am beyond grateful. Please take a look at these guys and show them they love they deserve!

Its An Itchy Little World Conference Sponsors 2013Spotlighting my wonderful sponsors on my custom tee: Allergic Solution, Achoo Allergy & The Eczema Company.

IMG_5509My credentials for the weekend. With my custom tee and the biz cards, it was hard to miss me or my blog. Ha!

And now for a photo recap….

New food allergy friends at FABlogCon 2013

New food allergy friends at FABlogCon 2013 (from left to right: Tiffany (Food Allergy Fun), Libby (The Allergic Kid), Elizabeth (EBL Food Allergies), and Jacqueline (Gluten Intolerance Group of Tri-Valley).

AD Rescuewear at FABlogCon 2013With the lovely ladies of AD Rescuewear, Beth and Anne. Find their very effective clothing for wet wrapping here.

Selena Bluntzer and Colette MartinSelena Bluntzer (Amazing & Atopic) with Colette Martin (Learning to Eat Allergy Free).

Jennifer Roberge and Henry EhlrichHere I am with Henry Ehrlich, author of the amazing Asthma Allergies Children: A Parent’s Guide and corresponding web guide.

Top 8 Allergen Free Menu at FABlogCon 2013.An example of the top 8 allergen free menus at South Point Casino.

Heather Mehra ,Donna DeCosta, Jennifer RobergeWith authors Heather Mehra (No Biggie Bunch) & Donna DeCosta MD (Food Allergy Mom Doc).

Angel Service Dogs for Peanut Allergy1/13/14 Correction: I was initially mistaken about the identity of this animal. This is Lola, who is a Medic Alert Detection Dog trained to detect peanuts.  She was trained for Kendall Hollinger, who has life threatening allergies to peanuts. You can read about Kendall and Lola here.

A night out on The Strip!The last night I hit The Strip with some of my new family: (from left to right: Sarah Hoskinson (Don’t Feed My Monkeys), Lacy Wade (Making it Milk Free), Selena Bluntzer (Amazing & Atopic), Elizabeth Goldenberg (Onespot Allergy/EpiCenter Medical) and me).

Canadian Maple LeavesThe two Canadians, Elizabeth (Onespot Allergy/EpiCenter Medical) and I, appropriately under a flutter of falling maple leaves at the Bellagio.

The final night allowed a spot of time to take Elizabeth Goldenberg (Onespot Allergy / EpiCenter Medical) and Jennifer Roberge to see “The Strip”.  I was also happy that Lacy Wade (Making it Milk Free) and Sarah Hoskinson (Don’t Feed My Monkeys) could join us. – See more at: https://www.amazingandatopic.com/2013/11/fablogcon-2013-fablogcon-city.html#sthash.70sEH0u2.dpuf
The final night allowed a spot of time to take Elizabeth Goldenberg (Onespot Allergy / EpiCenter Medical) and Jennifer Roberge to see “The Strip”.  I was also happy that Lacy Wade (Making it Milk Free) and Sarah Hoskinson (Don’t Feed My Monkeys) could join us. – See more at: https://www.amazingandatopic.com/2013/11/fablogcon-2013-fablogcon-city.html#sthash.70sEH0u2.dpuf

8 Comments

  1. selenarae on November 19, 2013 at 5:24 pm

    I am SO glad we got to be “roomies” at the conference! It was wonderful getting to spend time with you, in the “real world”, and I miss you! (((HUGS)))

    • Jennifer on November 22, 2013 at 6:05 pm

      Yay! Me too. Had a. Last and cannot wait til next time.

  2. Jessica Kenny on November 27, 2013 at 2:35 pm

    I’m bummed I wasn’t able to make it this year, but I am definitely planning on next year! Thank you for sharing. It is refreshing to know that something can truly be safe for everyone.

    • Jennifer on December 9, 2013 at 10:12 am

      Yes, it was an amazing event. Hope to see you there next year!

  3. Kimberley Hollinger on January 7, 2014 at 8:51 pm

    The detection dog in the photo is NOT a Angel Service Dog. She is a Medic Alert Detection Dog .She was trained by Falco K-9 Academy in Brea CA. Her owner is Kendall Hollinger who is also FAANs former National teen ambassador. Kendall is now FAACTs National Teen Ambassador and teen reporter. At this point Lola is trained to detect Peanuts because Kendall is airborne and Contact anaphylactic to them. Soon we will add on several tree nuts. The pups name is Lola . The event was incredible and I am so glad Kendall. Lola and I were able attend. We look forward to next time ! If anyone is interested in more info on Lola or Kendall you can visit her website at http://www.Kendallhollinger.com

    • Jennifer on January 13, 2014 at 12:33 pm

      Hi Kimberley – I’m so sorry about that mistake. I have just made the correction to the photo and included a link to Kendall’s blog. Thank you for clearing this up for us. Jennifer

      • Kimberley on January 14, 2014 at 7:33 pm

        Hi Jennifer,
        Thank you for the correction. Honestly I wouldn’t care but Her trainer might be offended at all his hard work being credited to another trainer. LOL
        Lola is a amazing animal who has defied every negative doubter. She has become a huge part of our family and the bond between Lola and Kendall is incredible. Soon we will have her trained to detect Walnuts and Cashews too. It was so nice to meet you at the conference. Hopefully we will see you next year.
        God Bless,
        Kim

        • Jennifer on January 15, 2014 at 9:03 am

          Hi Kim – I’m just thankful you corrected me! I hate to display any inaccurate information on this blog. So thank you! And happy new year to you and your family as well. Jennifer

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