Erin Konheim Mandras of Pikesville, a wife, mother of three, soccer coach, motivational speaker and mommy blogger, recently published her first children’s book, “Austin’s Allergies,” inspired by the struggles of her son.
“Austin has several life-threatening food allergies,” Mandras said in an email. “The purpose is to raise awareness and educate others on a topic that has become so prevalent in kids today.”
The book is endorsed by Dr. Robert Wood, director of pediatric allergy and immunology at Johns Hopkins Medicine.
“The story of Austin is light-hearted, yet informative and inspirational,” Wood says on the back cover blurb. “It is a great read for anyone touched by the world of food allergies.”
Mandras’ illustrator is Nina Kolbe, a friend who lives in Troy, Michigan, where she works as a general and trauma surgeon and is also a mother of three. Mandras is a native of Bloomfield, Michigan.
Mandras understands what it means to have a difficult relationship to food. As a college soccer star, she developed anorexia. Now she blogs at kickthescale.com and speaks publicly, sharing her story with others in hopes of helping them through their own food disorder challenges.
Mandras has also partnered with the Allergy & Asthma Network. A portion of the book’s proceeds will be donated to research and education.
For more information, visit austinsallergies.com.
