Patient Experiences
John Cacos
My name is John Cacos. I am 18 years old and have been part of the FAIT program for the past 3 years. I was anaphylactic even to traces of peanuts, all tree nuts, sesame, shellfish and peas for my entire life. This affected where I could go with my friends, places we felt safe to travel, restaurant choices and the foods we kept at home. I am so happy to say that thanks to the food immunotherapy program at BC Children's, I have overcome every single allergy and the challenges that come with them. This has made my transition into university much easier and I have a whole new level of freedom I never thought was previously possible.
River
In March 2021, 11-year-old River joined a pilot immunotherapy research project at BC Children's Hospital. The innovative study aims to treat food allergies by mixing peanut powder with water and placing a tiny drop under the tongue in increasing amounts. The goal is that River would slowly become desensitized to peanuts, making the chance of a life-threatening reaction due to an accidental exposure less likely.
“It was mind-blowing to watch her slowly tolerate more and more of a protein that previously caused such an intense allergic reaction that she couldn’t breathe. We're so grateful to the team at BC Children's Hospital. They are committed to finding life-changing treatments for kids, and it is because of them that we are hopeful for a safer, healthier future for Riv where all her dreams are realized.”
– Lisa, River’s mom
Leo
"There are not enough words to express how grateful we are for you and everything you have done for Leo. We are still in shock that he passed. This will open so many more experiences for him!"
– Alexandra, Leo’s mom
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