Every day, sophomore Casey Beaudreau confronts a life and death situation – his food allergy.

His allergy is so intense that he cannot have physical contact with his allergens; otherwise he could face anaphylactic shock and the many symptoms that come with it.

Unfortunately, misconceptions mill around on the symptoms of anaphylaxis, which includes the correlation of anaphylaxis and the throat closing up, causing a lack of airflow to the lungs. Although that is still a symptom of anaphylaxis, that is commonly the only symptom people think of when they hear the term.

Fortunately, additional symptoms can be signs of life or death. The Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) organization provides an emergency care plan, which shows that symptoms can range from low pulse to a body covered in hives.

Casey’s mother advocates for his safety at school. In 2013, she urges N.J.S.D. to get a 504 plan for Casey and his younger sister. A 504 plan implements a safe way to handle a disability, which a food allergy is categorized under. For food allergies, it aids teachers and other school employees on what to do in the event of an allergic reaction.

Daily, Casey handles numerous situations that may trigger his food allergy in an instant. Fortunately, he reflects that his last severe reaction occurs in the hospital for an allergy test:  the food challenge — age of 10.

Because of the work that his mother puts into the 504 plan, Casey attends class with peace of mind. Lunch is usually the only problem he has with his allergy during the school day.

“The worst that happens is one of my friends has something with peanuts on it, and either they will just not eat it, or I will politely move a couple seats down and just continue with my lunch period.”

As Casey continues to deal with a life-threatening allergy, he continues to surround himself with people who are willing to do anything they can to make sure he stays safe and healthy.