Oh, strap in, folks! This one's a doozy out of Provo, Utah, that'll have you spitting out your gluten-free beer in disbelief. In the left corner, we have Kolbie, a kick-ass teen battling the dynamic duo of Type One diabetes and celiac disease like a champ. In the right corner, the not-so-amusing nemesis, Splash Summit Water Park, with policy rules tighter than your jeans after Thanksgiving dinner.
Kolbie, armed with a cooler packed with her dietary lifelines, was stopped cold at the gates. The water park’s policy was having none of it, leaving our Kolbie to face the a dangerous situation: potential gluten cross-contamination and a high-stakes blood sugar roulette.
Sidebar: Hasn’t Splash Summit heard of the ADA? Hello, accommodations for the win, anyone?
Kolbie’s folks, not ones to back down, called out the park's ludicrous suggestion that guests should just "pop out" to eat. Yeah, because nothing says fun like a mid-slide snack run by foot across a hot parking lot, if you even make it there. They even offered to lock up the cooler like it was the crown jewels, further proving the “If it doesn’t fit in your pocket, you must acquit... erm, deposit” policy is just bonkers.
Splash Summit Water Park's rules on food could do with a reality check and a side of empathy. Kolbie and her warrior parents are now on a quest, not just for a day without getting glutened or a sugar high dive but for a change in policy. They’re fighting the good fight, ensuring everyone, no matter their dietary restrictions, can enjoy a splash without the crash.
This tale is more than just a "happily ever after" waiting to happen. It’s a clarion call for inclusivity, understanding, and perhaps a bit more common sense when it comes to accommodating all our unique needs. Because, let's face it, everyone deserves to enjoy their day out, without having to plan a covert op for a bite to eat. Keep fighting the good fight, Kolbie – we're all cheering for you, cooler and all!
Check out this video from Kolbie's mom, Janae, advocating for everyone for food restrictions:
