Pepper Pike author raises awareness for severe food allergies

For National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month in May, 3News sat down with an author from Pepper Pike about her book geared towards young adults, which puts a spotlight on severe allergies.

According to the CDC, one in 13 children have a food allergy, and "more than 40% of children with food allergies in the United States have been treated in the emergency department."

Sara Coven has written a book about a middle schooler who grapples with a severe food allergy, and the ways in which he navigates not only his allergy, but his interactions with classmates, not all of whom are so understanding.

Inspired by two of her young nephews who have serious food allergies, Coven is hoping her book "The One We Left Behind" raises awareness of serious allergies, and how people can help protect and accept those with allergies. Coven described a family trip in which one of her nephews experienced anaphylaxis after touching a piece of bread which unknowingly had egg in it, a food he is allergic to.

Out of love for her nephews, Coven began researching all things having to do with allergies, educating herself in the hopes of helping protect her nephews and other kids with allergies, as well as informing others.

“I really wanted to do something to raise awareness, and I didn't know another way. So I kept writing thinking, 'Well, maybe this will help somebody,'" Coven said of the years-long process of writing her book. "I became determined to publish it because I didn't know how else to really get all of this out there."

Isabel Lawrence reports. --

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