Keeping a student safe from potentially fatal allergic reactions has won national recognition for a Highton Primary School worker.
Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia commended Rebecca Rendell for her “outstanding contribution and support” of Charlotte Elder.
The organisation said Ms Rendell, an out-of-school-hours co-ordinator, extensively checked food labels, changed brands and created special treats so Charlotte Elder could avoid anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis, or anaphylactic shock, is the most severe form of allergic reaction.
It occurs within minutes of exposure to an allergen, which often includes food ingredients such as nuts.
Charlotte’s mother, Cassie Elder, first discovered her daughter’s allergy after she ate a chocolate brownie with walnuts.
“She went red all over and started grasping for breath,” Ms Elder said.
“I found out that she had a severe allergic reaction to the nut.”
The family now lives with the threat of Charlotte suffering an allergic reaction every day because “nuts can be in things like soaps and hand cream – not just food”, Ms Elder said.
But she knew Charlotte was in good hands at school in the care of Ms Rendell.
“Bec really made us feel comfortable that she understood the severity of the condition,” Ms Elder said.
Charlotte also praised Ms Rendell’s good work for her.
“Bec made me my own special custard the other day,” she said.
“It was really great to be able to have what the other kids were having – she looks after me.”
When Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia called for nominations for its Be a M.A.T.E (Making Allergy Treatment Easier) award, Ms Elder didn’t hesitate in nominating Ms Rendell.
She was a humble winner.
“I’m very honoured to receive the award and am grateful to the Elder family for their nomination and I would like to thank Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia for recognising people’s efforts in raising awareness.”
