In Springfield, Missouri, a remarkable story unfolds. A Republic woman, Katrina Hagan, took a courageous step by opening her own bakery after her husband, Alec Hagan, was diagnosed with Alpha-Gal syndrome (AGS). This potentially life-threatening allergic reaction to alpha-gal, a sugar found in most mammals, has completely changed their lives.

The Impact of AGS on Daily Life

It has been a challenging journey for the Hagans as they adapt to this new way of life. Alec shared, "It's been pretty challenging accepting this new way of life. I think the hardest part is there's no convenience. There's no stopping at a fast food restaurant. We don't eat out anymore." The syndrome, typically spread through ticks, can take time to diagnose, and Alec was sick for almost a year prior to getting a proper diagnosis.

When he found out he had AGS, it was a mix of relief and disappointment. As he said, "It was kind of a blessing and a curse when I found out that I had it because I finally had answers as to what was causing me to feel this sick…but also it’s knowing that I can’t enjoy all the good food anymore."

Adjusting to a Mammal-Free Diet

Due to his reactivity, Alec had to make significant changes to his food routines. He cut out anything mammal, including dairy, and also had to be cautious about sugar. This has been a huge adjustment for him, as he explained, "It just takes a lot of time out of your day to plan what you’re going to eat. When you do happen to have a reaction, it might put you down for several days."

Dr. Minh-Thu Le, who specializes in allergy and immunology, offered some hope. She said that if you have AGS now, it doesn't mean you have it forever. "Avoid the actual mammalian meat itself, so that’s your beef, your pork, your bacon, your steaks, your hamburgers, things like that. Once you outgrow it, your levels will go down, and you can eat it again."

Providing Allergy-Friendly Options at the Bakery

Alec and Katrina own Sensitively Sweet Bakery in Springfield, where they offer food allergy options for everyone. Their bakery is a haven for those with food allergies, providing a safe space for people to enjoy delicious treats. As Alec said, "We offer food allergy options for everyone, especially since our world was flipped upside down by AGS."

This bakery is not just a business for them; it's a way to make a difference in the lives of others. They understand the challenges of living with food allergies and are committed to providing safe and delicious options.

You can find out more information on the syndrome and see a map of known diagnosed AGS cases here.To report a correction or typo, please email digitalnews@ky3.com. Please include the article info in the subject line of the email.Copyright 2024 KY3. All rights reserved.