At eighteen months old, Imogen was constantly teary and unsettled, but it was when her tummy became dangerously swollen that her parents knew something was terribly wrong.


Imogen spent the first year of her life in visible distress. While her twin brother, Ethan, was a happy baby, Imogen was frequently exhausted and in pain. After a terrifying trip to the emergency room and months of uncertainty, her family finally received an answer: Imogen has coeliac disease. Today, she is a vibrant young girl who does not let her autoimmune condition stop her from enjoying life, thanks to the support of the MedicAlert charity.

Learning to navigate a new world

The diagnosis was a moment of both relief and overwhelming change for Imogen’s mother. After the initial shock, she cleared every cupboard in their home, discovering just how many everyday foods contained gluten. The family had to learn how to cook and bake all over again to ensure Imogen stayed safe and healthy.

Living with coeliac disease requires constant vigilance, especially as Imogen begins to spend more time at nursery, school, and parties. Her parents wanted to find a way to protect her when she was not by their side, ensuring that her dietary needs were always respected and understood by other adults.

Confidence you can wear

Imogen wears a MedicAlert ID designed specifically for children. It serves as a vital tool for raising awareness, acting as a conversation starter that allows Imogen to proudly explain what she can and cannot eat. It provides her with a sense of ownership over her health and the confidence to engage in social activities without fear.

For her parents, the bracelet is a source of immense peace of mind. They know that if an emergency were to occur, first responders would immediately see her MedicAlert ID. This would lead them to her full medical record, which is accessible 24/7 through our specialist emergency line. 

"Her MedicAlert bracelet gives us confidence that others will know she has an autoimmune disease and works as a great talking opportunity to raise awareness of what she can and cannot have."

Support through the Early Start Programme

Imogen is a member of MedicAlert through our Early Start Programme. This charitable initiative provides funded memberships for children until their 10th birthday, ensuring that life-saving protection is accessible to families regardless of their circumstances.

As part of the MedicAlert service, Imogen’s medical record is reviewed by a team of registered nurses. They check that her information is accurate and easy for emergency services to understand, allowing her to be physically active and socially engaged. With her MedicAlert ID, Imogen is free to grow up with the safety and dignity she deserves.

Join the MedicAlert community

Ready for every adventure

Imogen's MedicAlert bracelet does not just allow her to be safe in an emergency. It is more than just an ID. It gives her mother, Kerry, peace of mind that if she is at school or with friends, she has a voice that will let others know about her condition.

"I was looking for ways to help protect Immy when living with an autoimmune disease and giving me peace of mind that she was safe when she was not with me."

If you believe that your story can help others to understand the benefits of MedicAlert, please let us know!

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