When we read the story of a teacher who organised a special party for a boy with serious food allergies, we were incredibly moved.
Five-year old Cayden has a rare disorder called Food Protein Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES) and has 12 known food allergies.
Mum Shannon says Cayden is used to being excluded from parties in pre-school, which he has been attending since he was 2 and a half. As with all children with allergies, when there is a birthday or occasion Cayden has to eat the specially chosen food his mum sends into school with him.
But Shannon hadn’t bet on Cayden’s big-hearted and thoughtful teacher. In the lead up to the school's Christmas party she emailed a shocked and delighted Shannon to tell her she wanted to organise a special party where ALL the food could be eaten by Cayden.
It read:
“I wanted a party for Cayden where everything is Cayden friendly. Mrs. Sheets and I are going to go out and buy Mott’s 100% apple juice original, Lucky Charms, Armour Vienna Sausage original, sugar free jello strawberry cups, and classic Lays potato chips (yellow bag). I would like for a day where Cayden won’t have to worry about what other people have and where he can have everything. If you see something that would not work please let me know!! I tried to go on by what you brought to class for him and what was on the list of approved foods. You are more than welcome to pop by tomorrow or Friday or both to ensure that everything we have is approved!!”
A delighted Shannon wrote about the experience on website The Mighty, saying: “The party was a complete success. Cayden was able to eat everything without fear, and this mom was crying happy tears at the generosity and care of my son’s teacher. She’s made this a holiday party to remember and has set the bar high for his future teachers.”
What a fantastic gesture. We can only imagine the fun Cayden had at the party enjoying the same foods as his friends. We salute this caring and inspirational teacher!
