author of Feeding Eden

Jerome Bettis on Food Allergies and …Temptation

"We gain the strength of the temptation we resist" - Ralph Waldo Emerson

I don't follow football. But when I learned that Jerome Bettis, football legend, is also a food allergy spokesperson and role model, I learned fast: Jerome Bettis, former Pittsburgh Steelers Running Back is viewed as of the best all-time running backs in NFL history. He was also the recepient of the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 2001, and is expected to be inducted into the Hall of Fame when he becomes eligible. As my daughter says, "Woah mom."

In time for National Allergy & Asthma Awareness this Month, and with Sanofi US, Jerome introduced The Severe Allergy & Anaphylaxis Playbook – a collection of tips to help educate people living with severe allergies, and their friends and family, about avoiding allergens and being prepared in case of an emergency. Bettis, who is severely allergic to shellfish, is encouraging others impacted by severe allergies to download the Playbook HERE.

I had the opportunity to learn more about Jerome's food allergic history during an interview. He went into anaphylaxis when he was teen after eating shrimp fried rice. Since that time he's had to contend with both lifelong asthma and a shellfish allergy. But before eating that fateful Chinese dish, Jerome loved shrimp. I didn't know that when I asked him about TEMPTATION. What I did know is that there are times when even the most diligent food allergic kids and adults truly long to eat, despite the dangers. Here is a video clip of Jerome Bettis talking about overcoming his appetites: Click THIS LINK to play...

 


Tagged as: , , , , , , , ,