Life with MCAD

Mast Cell Activation is a disorder of a particular white blood cell that is overactivated and releases chemicals that makes the person’s body feel as if it’s under a constant allergic reaction, according to biology teacher Theresa Martin, who was diagnosed two years ago.
“I started getting my first symptoms in college,” Martin said. “Around 2011 is when we knew something was really wrong. Each day is unpredictable about how I’m gonna feel, the reactions and my psychology of it all.”
Martin was a competitive marathon runner. She had to stop after her diagnosis.
“It’s very difficult for me to talk about because it’s like my soul was ripped out,” Martin said. “I hope someday to be back there, but I’ve just had to completely separate myself from that. It was the biggest loss.”
Holidays are especially hard.
“I [have spent] Thanksgiving Up North with my family for many years,” Martin said. “It’s a difficult holiday since it’s centered around food, but at the same time I feel fortunate to have other good things to look forward to when we get together.”
Martin has taught biology and environmental science for five years. Senior Ben Hadad said he sees her as a kind and approachable teacher.
“She’s just really fun with the students,” Hadad said. “She interacts with you a lot and has good stories. She’s just a nice person overall.”
Even though the disease has required a lot of change to her life, Martin still stays positive and said that she is thankful to be able to do what she loves: teach. This month, students organized three fundraising events to raise awareness for the disorder, including a dodgeball tournament, Rent-A-Senior and candy grams.
“I am blown away by what the school has done,” Martin said. “When I think about what the school is doing, it literally makes me speechless.”