A tick bite gave me Alpha-gal syndrome. Now, I'm allergic to meat and its byproducts and only eat 1 meal a day.

Sat, 08/19/2023 - 05:54

Lon Wilhelms looks off to the left side of the frame, lit in the warm orange glow of the sun, with the open water behind her. — Lon Wilhelms enjoys spending time outdoors, but since developing Alpha-gal syndrome, she's become much more cautious.
Lon Wilhelms

Lon Wilhelms got Alpha-gal syndrome from a lone star tick bite.
The syndrome made her allergic to mammals and their byproducts.
She starts her day with a specific coffee brand and only eats one meal a day — dinner.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Lon Wilhelms, about her experience living with Alpha-gal syndrome. It has been edited for length and clarity.