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Let's Talk: Ashlee BeGell

Diagnosed with common variable immune deficiency (CVID) at the age of 4, Ashlee BeGell has relentlessly pushed past the limitations she faced growing up with chronic illness. As a young adult, Ashlee recently achieved her dream of becoming a registered pharmacist and is passionate about helping others learn to dream big and advocate for themselves… full article (pdf)

Product Guide

On the Road Again - With Food Allergies

Peanuts hidden in a steaming bowl of Thai noodles. A deli sandwich piled high with turkey, avocado and cheese. One prawn discovered in a cup of hot-and-sour soup. These harmlesslooking dishes could lead to a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction for at least 32 million Americans. For people living with food allergies, traveling isn't easy because allergens are everywhere. Yet, while traveling with food allergies is challenging, there are ways to mitigate the risks and make travel both possible and pleasurable… full article (pdf)

Ask the Experts

Reader: What is CVID, and How Do I Explain It To Others?

Abbie: CVID is one of more than 200 different forms of primary immune deficiency diseases affecting approximately 500,000 people in the United States. Specifically, it is a genetic disorder that affects the immune systems of approximately one out of every 25,000 people. People with this condition do not make enough antibodies (proteins that fight infections) in their blood, so they experience frequent infections. Symptoms of CVID vary widely from person to person, and they can range from mild to severe. Signs and symptoms of CVID include breathing problems, chronic cough, diarrhea that causes weight loss, ear infections, frequent sinus infections and… full article (pdf)