Peace of mind when you can't be there.

Star allergy alerts hopes to make the lives of parents and carers a little easier, by providing a range of products to raise allergy awareness for the safety of those we love.

My story

My name is Donna Rendell. I am the mother of a child with life-threatening food allergies.

At six weeks of age, my daughter Stella was diagnosed with eczema. We battled severe bouts with numerous stays in hospital. It was suggested that Stella should be tested for allergies as eczema is common in allergy sufferers. After a blood test, we were informed that she had a definite nut allergy and a possible egg allergy. Shortly after, I tested Stella on scrambled eggs and she proceeded to vomit and develop a rash and swollen lips. She was also inadvertently given peanut butter by a babysitter. She reacted with swollen lips, a rash developed on her cheeks and hands, and she started to vomit profusely.

A frightening time

We immediately sought out an Allergy Specialist and had Stella tested using a scratch test on her back where trace amounts of foods are tested and our fears were confirmed. She was anaphylactic to egg whites and and all nuts and associated produce. At this point we were advised that we would need to carry a prescribed Epipen (Adrenalin injection) with us everywhere we went, given instructions on administering the injection and told that Stella's allergic responses would increase in severity with each subsequent attack. Not good news for any parent!

Since then, it has been an extremely frightening time. Our daughter's life is at constant risk by well meaning relatives and friends who offer Stella food containing egg white and nuts. We continually tell everyone we meet of Stella's allergies but unfortunately as we live in such a busy world, people don't always understand the severity of the issue. Stella has since been tested again and she is now also allergic to sesame and possibly lentils. At age 5 Stella will undergo an egg and nut challenge under strict supervision in hospital where she will be given controlled amounts of the allergens to see whether she can tolerate small amounts of the foods.

Keeping her safe

Our biggest concern is that as Stella gets older and inevitably spends more time away from home at sleepovers, parties, school camps etc., we cannot always be there to protect her from harm.

My idea was to create a range of products to help communicate the allergy message for you and your child. Simple easy to use products to make everyone aware of the dangers of food and other allergies, with fun colourful designs that will attract attention wherever your child may be.

My aim is to increase allergy awareness in a fun, child friendly and practical way. I hope star allergy alerts will give you peace of mind to know that your child may be just that little bit safer when you can't be with them.

Graphic designer

Jane Fletcher from J6 design created each of our allergy alert designs. "The aim was to create funky, modern designs using bright colours and cute characters that children will love. We do not want to alienate children with allergies - we just want to send a clear message to their carers."

Further information

Our products are meant to serve as a reminder to others when you are not around. They should not replace open regular communication with your child and their carers. Allergies are a serious, potentially life-threatening condition that require the care of a qualified medical professional. If you think that your child might have an allergy, please see your pediatrician or doctor immediately.

Donna Rendell has been interviewed by Career FAQs, Australia’s leading publisher of career resources, about her work with Star Allergy Alerts. Read her interview here

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If you like our products, we hope you will pass the word on to your friends and family. Thank you.