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| Photo credit: Brett Lando |
Last year, we were really fortunate to feature Kyle at his premiere Bay Area performance at Get Allergy Wise's Food Allergies Rock event. He mingled with guests, sampled our vendors' allergy-safe treats, and rocked the house in Golden Gate Park. Both parents and children found an instant connection with Kyle, a passionate advocate for food allergy awareness, and were touched by his tunes.
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| Photo credit: Tiffany Chen |
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(Get Allergy Wise)
What were you allergic to as a child? What food are you allergic to
now?
(Kyle Dine) I
was initially diagnosed with allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, eggs, dairy, and
penicillin. Since then, I’ve only outgrown my dairy allergy, but have now
added fish, shellfish, and mustard to my list.
Food allergies are a
lot more common these days than they were a couple decades ago. What was
it like for you growing up with multiple food allergies?
I am amazed at the job
my parents did in keeping me safe, and making me feel normal despite the fact
that I did not know anyone else with allergies. I also realize that I am
lucky that I did not suffer any serious anaphylactic reactions while growing up
in a time that did not have today’s food labeling regulations. This was
before precautionary labeling was used (e.g. “May Contain” statements) making
it very difficult to know what packaged products were safe. We ate mostly
home-cooked meals and stuck with the basics.
How did you become a food allergy singer? Tell us about the first food allergy song you wrote.
The idea first came to
me after writing a song with a child at summer camp. I was teaching the
boy guitar when I noticed that he was carrying an auto-injector. I found
out that he was also allergic to peanuts and we started writing a silly little
song together about peanuts and how we are just fine living without them!
That little ditty was the basis of my first allergy song, “That’s a Peanut”.
Excellent story of
how it all began! You mention auto-injectors. You sing a song (one
of my favorites) called "My Epineph-Friend". Have you ever had
to use your Epi-pen?
Isn’t that song fun! I love
planting the idea in kids’ heads that they should name their EpiPen. It’s
just like a friend after all, right?!
I had to use my EpiPen once, but should have used it on a few other occasions but, stupidly, did not. The one time I was offered a square by someone I knew and trusted, but unfortunately they had nuts in them by accident. I used my EpiPen right away as the symptoms were quite severe within minutes of ingestion. I went to the hospital where I required more medicine, but ultimately I was okay. I learned a very valuable lesson that day in that I should always ask as many questions as possible when offered food and never eat something unless I’m 100% sure it’s safe.
I had to use my EpiPen once, but should have used it on a few other occasions but, stupidly, did not. The one time I was offered a square by someone I knew and trusted, but unfortunately they had nuts in them by accident. I used my EpiPen right away as the symptoms were quite severe within minutes of ingestion. I went to the hospital where I required more medicine, but ultimately I was okay. I learned a very valuable lesson that day in that I should always ask as many questions as possible when offered food and never eat something unless I’m 100% sure it’s safe.
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| Photo credit: Brett Lando |
Gee thanks!
We’re really happy and riding high these days!
As much as I would
love to promote “inter-allergy/intolerance dating”, my wife and I are both
aware of the extremely high odds that our children will have allergies or
intolerance. I often joke that they will be “tall, dark, and
allergic!” At least we will be prepared. There was an initial sense
of understanding between us, but I truly think that a true partner will be able
to learn how to keep you safe whether they have an allergy/intolerance or
not. The biggest benefit I find is the support which comes directly from
her level of understanding. If I forget a detail at a restaurant, she is
quick to jump in and have my back. Through all of these years of living
with her, I have learned so much about gluten and its sources and try to be the
best advocate I can for her.
Do your wife and you
cook separate meals or do you accommodate for your combined food allergies and
intolerances?
We mix it up between
cooking separate meals and joint meals. It helps us cut costs with our
groceries and have our own treats, but we are very stringent in the kitchen and
have color coded utensils, plates, cutting boards etc. etc.
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| Photo credit: Brett Lando |
I have never had an
easier time writing a song than “Food Allergies Rock!” I really wanted to
write a song that encapsulated my views on having food allergies and the
overall message I try to project in all of my songs. This was reinforced
when I read a conclusion on a research paper on quality of life in children
with food allergies. It really promoted that having a positive attitude
about allergies will actually have a great impact:
“Clinical experience suggests that children who adopt a negative attitude toward their allergies (e.g. focus on limitations and differences from peers) may be more likely to experience distress than children who adopt a more positive perspective (e.g. emphasize strengths and coping strategies).” (link to study)
My favorite thing
about having food allergies is the knowledge it brings you. My
experiences and stories can go so far in helping out others with allergies, as
well as educate non-allergic people. I’m amazed at the number of parties
I’ve been to where a group of people stood around me wanting to learn more
about allergies and anaphylaxis!
What do you think is
the hardest thing about having food allergies?
I think a lot of
parents assume that it’s the feeling of being left out. I’ve talked to
many kids and teens with allergies, and the most common answer I hear for this
question is “being a burden”. I feel the same. I’m a pretty low-key
guy and have never wanted to inconvenience anyone because of my
allergies. I don’t like them being a huge deal in social
situations. If I can’t eat something, no problem. I will find a
safe food, it might be as basic as a salad with no dressing, but I am fine with
that and do not feel comfortable with people fussing over me.
How does it feel to be a rock star in the food allergy world? Have you had any moments from touring that have especially inspired you?
It’s humbling. People
tell me that I’m doing a really great thing. But truthfully, I’m having
so much fun doing this and am amazed that “allergy music” has impacted so many
families across North America.
There are so many
feel-good moments from touring I can’t name just one. When kids come up
to me showing off their EpiPens proudly and compare their MedicAlert bracelets
with mine, I feel incredible. These kids are on the right track and are empowered
over their allergies - something that didn’t happen to me until I was in my
twenties.
I am so lucky to do what I do. I do not take it for granted, and document it all with a giant overloaded scrapbook with memories that will last a lifetime. I certainly didn’t dream of being a food allergy musician in high school, but am I ever glad that’s how it turned out!
I am so lucky to do what I do. I do not take it for granted, and document it all with a giant overloaded scrapbook with memories that will last a lifetime. I certainly didn’t dream of being a food allergy musician in high school, but am I ever glad that’s how it turned out!
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Contact Kyle directly to set up your school assembly and prepare yourself for a unique opportunity and incredible gift for your children and their school communities...and keep on spreading allergy awareness!
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