Food-Allergic Preschooler Rallies for Research Via Lincoln Park FARE Walk

By Lorraine Swanson

An adorable south suburban 4-year-old is on a crusade to promote allergy-free snacks.

Oak Lawn preschooler Catherine Hedderman lives with life-threatening food allergies to milk, egg, wheat and beef. 

She and her parents, family and friends distributed allergy-free snacks last week to raise awareness and donations for Food Allergy Research and Education. The event was part of the young girl's ramp-up for an upcoming walk in Lincoln Park.

“Our goal is to raise awareness of food allergies and showcase the importance of information and inclusion of those that live with food allergies,” Catherine’s mom, Courtney, said.

Aside from food allergies, Catherine is an active girl, who is busy preparing for the FARE Food Allergy Walk in September, when the Hedderman team, “Crusin’ for Catherine,” will participate in a 3-mile walk around Lincoln Park Zoo.

FARE works on behalf of the 15 million Americans with food allergies, including all those at risk for life-threatening anaphylaxis. This potentially deadly disease affects 1 in 13 children in the United States—or roughly two in every classroom.

The FARE walk will kick off Sunday, Sept. 29, with registration beginning noon. For more information on joining the effort and helping those like Catherine, check out the website.