Conversations with Marshella Bouser

Today we’d like to introduce you to Marshella Bouser.

Hi Marshella, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers.

My journey began when my oldest daughter was 11 months old. About an hour or two after she ingested mashed potatoes from a restaurant, we experienced a terrifying incident where her face swelled up, prompting us to rush her to the Emergency Room. That’s when we discovered she had food allergies. By the time she was 4 years old, she was allergic to multiple things such as peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, milk, wheat, coconut, and sunflower. It was overwhelming to realize how seemingly harmless foods could be so dangerous. This experience ignited a passion within me to delve deeper into understanding food allergies, their impact on daily life, and the best practices for ensuring children’s safety.

After her diagnosis, I felt this intense need to raise awareness about food allergies. I wanted to make allergy awareness more visible and accessible in everyday settings. So, in 2018, I launched L-Bows, an awareness accessory brand. Our sparkly hair bows, backpacks, and tags not only look cool but also serve as visual reminders of potential allergens.

Our goal with L-Bows is to promote inclusivity while prioritizing safety. These accessories offer customizable options for all kids. We hope to initiate crucial conversations and foster empathy among peers and caregivers. It’s about ensuring that every child feels valued and represented, regardless of whether they have allergies or not.

In December 2023, I authored “My Nutty Summer,” a children’s food allergy awareness book. I wanted to engage a younger audience and raise awareness about food allergies in schools. “My Nutty Summer” aims to promote empathy, inclusion, and a culture of safety among kids, teachers, and parents. This book is available on our website and online at major retailers (Target, Barnes and Noble, Walmart, and more). Education is key in understanding the nuances of food allergies, their symptoms, and appropriate responses. Reading “My Nutty Summer” is one way to start those conversations.

It is important for everyone to know that food allergies can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or initial health status. It’s crucial to foster open dialogues, reduce stigma, and implement proactive safety measures to create supportive environments for children with allergies. Together, we can prevent accidents and champion inclusivity for a healthier, safer future.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?

Navigating the path of food allergy awareness has indeed been a journey marked by both progress and significant challenges. One of the most pressing struggles has been the neglect and lack of understanding regarding the severity of food allergies in schools. Despite ongoing efforts to raise awareness, it has been disheartening to witness some institutions moving slowly in implementing necessary precautions, thereby putting children with food allergies at risk.

When I reflect on my youngest daughter’s kindergarten year, it stands out as one of the most stressful situations I’ve encountered. The lack of safety precautions, neglect, and empathy gaps were glaring issues. For instance, her teacher often requested or allowed items such as egg cartons in the classroom from parents without considering students’ allergies. This led to some uncomfortable situations where my child was almost exposed to an allergen. Additionally, the teacher thought it was okay to acknowledge my child as an “egg allergy child.” She even went further and excluded my daughter from certain activities and foods during parties due to her allergies. These are just some of the challenges we faced last school year.

When I raised my concerns with the administrator, the initial response was dismissive. Though some temporary changes were made, many aspects reverted to a lack of care over time.

The school’s resistance to implementing consistent rules and lack of comprehensive training for all have added to the frustration and anxiety of ensuring my child’s safety at school. While many teachers there, including my daughter’s 1st-grade teacher, have shown exceptional dedication, the overall school policies and practices fall short in providing a completely safe environment for all students with regard to food allergies.

For instance, food allergens are not prohibited at my daughter’s school; children are allowed to bring them for lunch. This increases the likelihood of inadvertent exposures due to the limited eating time and inadequate handwashing practices. This risk is worsened as students are promptly ushered outdoors for recess post-meal.

In addition, upon enrollment, parents must provide all medical information, including allergies. While volunteering, I discovered discrepancies in the lunchroom system. My child’s allergies were not listed. This oversight potentially exposed her to unsafe foods. After discussing this with food services, I learned that additional documentation was needed, which was not communicated during the initial medical information submission process.

It’s crucial to recognize that everyone’s actions are limited unless policies are implemented by the school administrators, who have the authority to enforce necessary changes. I’ve been in contact with upper administration, and solutions at this moment are pending.

Another challenge is encountering people who dismiss the importance of food allergy education because it doesn’t affect them directly. This mindset can hinder efforts to create safe environments for everyone, given that food allergies can develop at any stage of life.

Furthermore, bullying related to food allergies has been a distressing reality. I vividly remember a child in my daughter’s kindergarten class intentionally putting peanut butter on her hand, knowing it could harm her. What makes this situation even more alarming is that this girl had asked others to join her. Another concerning incident occurred when a child threw tree nuts at a nut-free table, receiving only a minor consequence of missing a 15-minute recess.

Incidents like this endanger the lives of allergic children and highlight the urgent need for empathy, education, and no-nonsense measures against bullying in schools to ensure the safety and well-being of all students.

Despite these challenges, I remain committed to advocating for improved food allergy awareness and safety protocols in schools. There is an urgent need for comprehensive training, consistent policies, and proactive measures to protect all students. Every child deserves a school environment that prioritizes their safety and well-being, and I will continue working towards that goal.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?

Lena’s Allergy Movement & Beyond/ Storytime With Purpose is a unique initiative that I founded out of my passion for advocating for children with food allergies. I wanted to create impactful and visually appealing accessories that prioritize safety while also making learning fun while reading my book, “My Nutty Summer.”

What sets us apart is our commitment not only to raising awareness about food allergies but also to creating enjoyable educational experiences through events like RingPops & Reading and Books & Bubbles. Our brand, led by my dedication to storytelling and advocacy, aims to empower children with allergies by promoting awareness and education. I hope to create a pathway for children and others like my daughters Lena and Nia, to live safer and more informed lives.

I am most proud of our brand’s ability to merge creativity and purpose, making learning about food allergies not only important but also engaging and enjoyable for all children. Our offerings include a range of visually appealing accessories designed for safety and/or style for all, along with interactive events that blend storytelling with educational activities. We are dedicated to providing resources and support for families navigating food allergies, ensuring that children can live confidently and safely.

Risk-taking is a topic that people have widely differing views on – we’d love to hear your thoughts.

Every day, I take a significant risk regarding my child’s safety. Despite concerns about bullying and neglect at her school, I’ve chosen to keep her enrolled. My commitment to her safety and creating a safer environment for all students drives this decision. Although it has been challenging, I am actively involved in the school community, volunteering daily, and building relationships with teachers and staff whom I trust to prioritize my child’s interests. I firmly believe that my presence and advocacy can contribute to positive changes within the school environment, ensuring a better experience for all students.

I believe that taking risks also extends to speaking up and advocating for what is right. It’s not always easy, as not everyone may agree with your approach or opinions. However, I believe that by voicing concerns and actively working towards solutions, we can create positive changes that benefit everyone involved. My stance reflects a dedication to ensuring childcare safety and building a supportive community for all families.

I truly hope that one day my book, “My Nutty Summer,” becomes instrumental in prompting parents and teachers to engage in open discussions about food allergy awareness. This book not only aims to entertain young readers but also serves as an educational tool highlighting the importance of empathy, inclusion, and safety regarding food allergies. By initiating conversations in both homes and classrooms, we can create a more empathetic and supportive environment for children with allergies. This will empower them to navigate social situations confidently while fostering a culture of acceptance and care.

Additionally, my awareness accessories, such as allergy alert bracelets and school-wide informative posters, compliment the message conveyed in the book. These serve as visible reminders and conversation starters, further amplifying awareness and understanding within communities. My ultimate goal is for this heightened awareness, reinforced by tangible reminders, to result in a decrease in bullying. As children grasp a deeper understanding of the potential dangers and challenges faced by their peers affected by food allergies, a culture of empathy and support can flourish.

Pricing:

• My Nutty Summer (Hardcover): $21.99
• My Nutty Summer (Paperback): $15.99
• Custom Hair bows: $5-$25
• Custom Jackets: $70 & Up
• Awareness Buttons & Tags: $5-$25

Contact Info:

• Website: www.storytimewithpurpose.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/storytimewithpurpose?igsh=MWl4MGthaGhtOWs1Nw%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LAMandBeyond1?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@storytime.with.purpose?_t=8kFXZG9FdXi&_r=1

Image Credits
Life in Print and Photography by Kim