Season 2: Episode 1
Hope and Will: A Parenting Podcast from Children's Healthcare of Atlanta
Unpacking Food Allergies at School and Beyond
With the start of a new school year comes a new wave of communications about nut-free schools and classrooms. For those unaffected by food allergies, such communications can invoke feelings of frustration, as parents scramble to find alternatives to PB&J and other go-to lunch staples that contain nuts. For families affected by food allergies, every morning drop off is still laced with anxiety: Will today be the day my child goes into anaphylactic shock without me to help protect them?
In this episode, we’re joined by Susan Goldberg, whose daughter Julia has life-threatening food allergies, as well as Dr. Brian Vickery, Chief of Allergy and Immunology, who leads our Food Allergy Program. Susan will share insight into what it’s like to live in fear of a single bite of a well-intentioned snack. Dr. Vickery, who’s played a pivotal role in Julia’s food allergy journey, will discuss the prevalence of food allergies, as well as exciting developments in the world of oral immunotherapy and what they mean for kids like Julia. We’ll close with insight from Katherine Shary, a dietitian from our Strong4Life team, who offers tips for packing snacks and lunches when nuts aren’t an option.
Dr. Brian Vickery, Chief of Allergy and Immunology
Dr. Vickery is a national leader in pediatric food allergies. He leads our Food Allergy Program in performing impactful research and delivering care that helps transform the lives of kids and teens affected by food allergies. At home, he’s the proud dad of a son in middle school and daughter in elementary school.
Katherine Shary, Registered and Licensed Dietitian
As part of our Strong4Life team, Katherine wears many hats: she coordinates training programs, oversees a certification program for dietitians and helps develop children’s books. At home, she’s Mom to a 4-year-old daughter and an infant son.
Susan Goldberg, Julia’s Mom
Susan and her husband, Dave, were on a family vacation when a few small bites of baby food sent her family on a journey that left them forever changed. Susan candidly shares her family’s experience with oral immunotherapy and the life-altering impact it’s made on her daughter, Julia.
Lynn Smith
Lynn Smith is a veteran journalist, podcast host and mom of two boys. Her experience as the parent of a patient at Children’s inspired her to advocate for spreading awareness of childhood illnesses and injuries.
