Bolingbrook Mom Starts "Allergy Warriors" Blog to Support Families with Food Allergies

A Bolingbrook mom has started a blog and Facebook page for people with food allergies. 

Maryann Gates manages both the "Allergy Warriors" Facebook page and the "Allergy Warriors" blog. 

"It is dedicated to all of the brave people out there who have a food allergy or who have a family member with a food allergy," Gates writes on her blog.

"I hope this is a safe (allergen free) place you can come to discuss, learn, and get support...I chose the name Allergy Warriors, because anyone who has a food allergy knows how much of a battle it is to be safe!" 

Gates is "Allergy Warriors Annie." Her 7-year-old daughter was diagnosed with a severe peanut allergy when she was 18 months ago.  

A friend, whose daughter has Celiac disease and whose son has gluten sensitivity, is "Gluten Free Gal." She blogs about being gluten-free. 

"I would love to be able to share my knowledge and ideas and get other people's thoughts and ideas on how to get through this as Allergy Warriors," Gates said. 

Gates started a team for the 2013 Chicago Fare Walk, the FARE Walk for Food Allergy to say FAREwell to Food Allergies in Sept. 29. Interested in walking? Contact melissa.sersland@patch.com (I'll pass along your e-mail to Maryann.)

Check out Gates' food allergy blog here.