Dear Ella, The first time a walnut nearly stole your breath, your world changed forever. That tiny nut, hidden in a slice of bread, marked the beginning of a journey that would shape your future in profound ways. From childhood, you faced the daily threat of severe allergic reactions with a resolve that belied your young age. The sudden trips to the ER, the constant vigilance required during meals, and the emergency EpiPen that became your constant companion were all part of your reality. Yet, even in the face of these challenges, you refused to let your allergies define who you were or limit your potential. High school brought new freedoms and opportunities, but it also presented new challenges. While your friends carried only their phones, you always had your EpiPen with you. The spring of your freshman year brought a life-changing event—a meal at a local café that led to a severe anaphylactic reaction. That experience was a turning point, a stark reminder of how vulnerable you were and how much you needed to take control of your health. That summer, you discovered Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) under the care of Dr. Shah, and it became a pivotal part of your journey. The treatment was demanding, requiring weekly sessions that took time away from school, sports, and social activities. You missed classes, exams, and even some of your favorite extracurriculars, but you knew that the sacrifice was worth it. By the end of your junior year, you had successfully built up immunity to the nuts that once posed a deadly threat. These experiences were instrumental in solidifying your passion for medicine, particularly in the field of pediatric allergy. You pursued your undergraduate studies at Loyola Marymount University, where you took on internships with pediatric allergists and other specialists. These experiences confirmed your calling and motivated you to push forward, eventually earning a prestigious fellowship in pediatric allergy at NYU. Now, at 50, you look back with pride on how far you’ve come. As the Director of Pediatric Allergy at NYU Langone, you’ve pioneered a groundbreaking treatment that has transformed the lives of countless individuals with severe food allergies. The pill you developed, now approved by the USDA, offers a safer, more convenient alternative to daily exposure therapy. Your work has not only provided relief and peace of mind to those with allergies but has also inspired the next generation of medical professionals to continue innovating in this critical field. The EJW Scholarship you founded at Loyola Marymount has become one of the most sought-after awards for aspiring healthcare students. Your contributions to the field of pediatric allergy are recognized globally, and your work continues to spearhead new advancements in allergy treatment. You’ve not only achieved personal success but have also made a lasting impact on the world, changing lives for the better. Dad would be proud. Great job, boss.