Fundraiser: Running the Bruce Trail to support Food Allergy Canada and create food allergy awareness 

Tell us a little bit about yourself. How are you impacted by food allergy? 

At a very young age, we discovered that our son, Jerrick, had an allergy to tree nuts when we thought he was choking on his cereal. Unfortunately, this event led to countless hospital, doctor, and specialist visits. After outgrowing his pistachio and cashew allergy, we discovered he was severely allergic to dairy. While Jerrick’s initial tree nut allergy was challenging, the dairy allergy was far more difficult to manage, as so many foods contain or may contain dairy. 

With the support of a dedicated team at McMaster University, Jerrick underwent numerous tests to determine the severity of his allergy. We learned that this would likely be a lifelong condition that we would need to manage. Over the years, Jerrick has learned to navigate this daily challenge. As a teenage boy, this is no easy feat.  

What inspired you to take on this trail challenge, and why did you choose to support Food Allergy Canada?  

My hope with this journey on the Bruce Trail goes beyond our own family’s experience. It’s to raise awareness for all individuals with food allergy. 

I decided to put together a lifelong goal towards something extremely important to me – my child’s health and his future. I want to make a difference through educating others and raising money towards this important cause. I want to ensure industries such as pharmaceuticals, restaurants, and stores become more aware and understanding of the struggles that people (and their families) face with food allergy.  

By running the Bruce Trail, I aim to raise awareness for better treatments and more accessible, healthy foods for those at risk of anaphylaxis. Please consider donating to this cause. Every dollar counts! My Bruce Trail journey will commence on Monday, September 1^st, 2025.