Meet Allen. Allen is a friend of mine from back home, who is also a college athlete with severe food allergies (he is allergic to milk, eggs, peanuts and tree nuts). Allen is a sophomore and outside hitter for his college’s men’s volleyball team. Last year as a freshman, Allen’s first away game was supposed to be a chance to compete, bond with his teammates, and represent his school. But what started as an exciting road trip quickly became a lesson he’ll never forget.

As Allen tells it, “I was so focused on not missing the bus and making a good impression that I completely forgot to pack my allergy bag with my EpiPen and other rescue meds.” Once he realized it on the bus, it was too late to turn back. “My stomach dropped. I kept thinking, What if something happens and I don’t have my meds?”

The anxiety was so intense that Allen didn’t eat anything the entire trip, afraid he might react to something without his medication nearby. By the time the match started, the combination of nerves, hunger, and dehydration caught up with him. “I actually almost passed out during warmups and wasn’t able to play the game. That was my wake-up call.”

Now, Allen makes sure it never happens again. “The night before every game, I write out a checklist on my white board: jersey, shoes, snacks, and most importantly my allergy bag. I don’t leave my room until I’ve double-checked everything.”

Allen hopes his story reminds other students with food allergies that even when life gets busy or exciting, safety has to come first. “Forgetting my meds once was scary enough. Now, being prepared is part of my pregame routine.” Allen recommends hanging a white board on the back of your dorm door where you keep a list. “That way, it’s the last thing you see before you leave your room so you can’t miss it!” (** Add this small white board to your college essentials list!)

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