~Awareness Promotes Safety~

AllergyAvenue was founded in 2005 under the name of AllergyAwear. It was created by myself, Tracie Schrand, after I discovered that my youngest daughter, Melissa had a severe peanut allergy. This allergy took the family by surprise, and has brought many changes in our life. No one in our family has ever had a food allergy. We wondered how it could possibly happen. I even asked myself if it was something I had done. But currently medical experts have no definitive reason for the cause and why only some are affected by food allergies. In fact allergies are now on the rise and striking more children and adults.

We did not know how to help Melissa, how to keep her safe. When we were out somewhere, we found ourselves worrying constantly that someone would try to give her a treat or she'd come into contact with peanut somehow. We would tell people about how dangerous this type of allergy could be, and that only tiny amounts could have very dangerous consequences. Most people were surprised! Even more surprised at how many things peanut and nut can be found in. Likewise for other allergies like corn, and wheat, for example.

The idea of not being able to alert people of Melissa's allergy before she interacted with them, worried us. How could she stay safe? We felt that there was a need to alert people who did not know and remind people who did know about her allergy.

The result, a line of useful (yet fun) products that can speak to others before we could.

A little about Tracie:

Tracie is a wife and mother of 3 girls. Her youngest daughter, Melissa is almost 3 years old and is the inspiration for the company. Her middle daughter is Sidney, who recently turned 8 years old. Sidney really makes a difference by always being concious of her little sisters surroundings to help her stay safe and by telling others about food allergies. Her oldest daughter, Laurie is now 18 years old. Laurie has taken an active role in getting AllergyAvenue started. Without her, AllergyAvenue would still be a dream.

Tracie, her husband and her children live in Farmington Hills,Michigan. She has a BS degree in Medical technology from Michigan Technological University but has been a stay at home mom now for 8 years since her middle daughter was born.

Thank you, and please help keep those who have allergies live a little safer.

Warm Regards,

Tracie, Vince, Laurie, Sidney, and Melissa