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Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) Takes Action to Address Growing Problem of Food Allergy Bullying

Mon, 13 May 2013 11:51:00 GMT

New Public Service Campaign “It’s Not A Joke” Tackles Difficult and Often Overlooked Issue during Food Allergy Awareness Week

McLEAN, VA (May 13, 2013) – Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), the nation’s leading food allergy organization, released today a national educational program targeted at curbing food allergy bullying among children in the United States. One in 13 children in the U.S. – roughly two in every classroom – has a food allergy. Nearly 40 percent of children with food allergies have experienced a severe or life-threatening reaction, such as anaphylaxis, and approximately one-third of children with food allergies report that they have been bullied because of their allergies. Nearly half the time, children with food allergies do not tell their parents that they have been bullied.

“Bullying has a significant social and emotional impact on children with food allergies,” said John L. Lehr, chief executive officer of FARE. “Research released earlier this year demonstrates it is important to identify and address cases of bullying proactively. The public service announcements released today mark an important step in educating and raising awareness of the physical dangers and emotional toll imposed by a new form of bullying in this country.”

A study published in Pediatrics (January 2013) demonstrated that bullying is common in children with food allergies. Researchers concluded that this bullying is associated with lower quality of life and distress in both children and their parents. According to the study, when parents are aware of the bullying, the child’s quality of life is better.

“It is our hope that greater awareness of the serious and potentially life-threatening nature of food allergies will help children and parents understand that what can be seen as a prank actually is very harmful and potentially very dangerous,” Lehr said.

Teen actor and former Shake It Up star Kenton Duty volunteered his talents for the PSA voiceover, since Kenton has publicly shared his own story of living with food allergies. Child actors were used in the PSAs to bring to life the feelings and stories of children with food allergies who have been bullied in an effort to protect their privacy. The PSAs are available in 90 and 30 second versions on www.foodallergy.org.

Food Allergy Awareness Week is being observed May 12-18 this year. More information, resources and awareness tools are available at www.foodallergy.org.

About FARE
Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) works on behalf of the 15 million Americans who have food allergy, including all those at risk for life-threatening anaphylaxis. This potentially deadly disease affects 1 in every 13 children in the U.S. – or roughly two in every classroom. Formed in 2012 as a result of a merger between the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network and the Food Allergy Initiative, FARE’s mission is to ensure the safety and inclusion of individuals with food allergies while relentlessly seeking a cure. We do this by funding world-class research that advances treatment and understanding of food allergies, providing evidence-based education and resources, undertaking advocacy at all levels of government and increasing awareness of food allergy as a potentially life-threatening and a growing public health issue. For more information, please visit www.foodallergy.org.

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Reference:PEDIATRICS, Volume 131, Number 1, January 2013 “Child and Parental Reports of Bullying in a Consecutive Sample of Children with Food Allergy.” 10-17.

Extreme Athlete Strives for Rowing Record and Cure for Food Allergies

Fri, 10 May 2013 13:44:00 GMT

MCLEAN, Va. (May 10, 2013) – On May 17, Mike Monroe, a renowned extreme athlete, will attempt to break a world rowing record in honor of his 8-year-old son Miles and the 15 million Americans with food allergies. Monroe, an former Marine who has been through some of the toughest training the military has to offer, will have 24 hours to set a new indoor rowing machine record for his age and weight – and to raise $50,000 for Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), a national nonprofit organization dedicated to creating a safe and inclusive world for people with food allergies.

Mike’s “Odyssey Against Food Allergies” begins at noon on Friday, May 17 at the Sport&Health Club in Old Town, Alexandria, and ends at noon on Saturday. The elite athlete has already raised more than a $350k for charities through extreme fitness competitions. Supporters can test their stamina by rowing at Mike’s side for a donation, or make a general donation to FARE.

“I am doing this for my son, who crushes my soul every time he says he just wants to be a regular kid,” Monroe said. “I am fueled to reach my fundraising goal by my son and the other kids out there who suffer from food allergies.”

Miles is one of 5.9 million children in the U.S. who have food allergies. Nearly 40 percent of these children have already experienced a severe or life-threatening reaction, such as anaphylaxis.

“Studies have documented the dramatic rise in food allergies,” said John L. Lehr, chief executive officer of FARE. “But we are making progress in developing life-saving treatments and programs. Thanks to Mike and our generous supporters across the country, we will meet the challenge of making the world safe for people with food allergies.”

Staff members at Sport&Health have been actively involved in planning Monroe’s event.

“Sport&Health is thrilled to host the ‘Odyssey Against Food Allergies’ endurance challenge and provide support to a great cause and a local community member,” said Teri Bothwell, corporate director of Group Fitness at Sport&Health. “This is a great opportunity to bring awareness to the need for food allergy research and education while also promoting fitness.”

To learn more, register for a rowing session with Monroe, or make a donation, visit Monroe’s “Odyssey Against Food Allergies” page online.

About FARE
Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) works on behalf of the 15 million Americans with food allergies, including all those at risk for life-threatening anaphylaxis. This potentially deadly disease affects 1 in every 13 children in the U.S. – or roughly two in every classroom. Formed in 2012 as a result of a merger between the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network and the Food Allergy Initiative, FARE’s mission is to ensure the safety and inclusion of individuals with food allergies while relentlessly seeking a cure. We do this by providing evidence-based education and resources, undertaking advocacy at all levels of government, increasing awareness of food allergy as a serious public health issue and funding world-class research that advances treatment and understanding of food allergies. For more information, please visit www.foodallergy.org.

Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) Kicks Off the 2013 FARE Walk for Food Allergy Program in Cincinnati and Orlando

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 15:04:00 GMT

McLEAN, VA (April 25, 2013) – Food Allergy Research & Education’s (FARE) Walk for Food Allergy, a national program that raises vital funds on behalf of the 15 million Americans with food allergies and heightens awareness of this potentially life-threatening disease, is set to kick off Saturday with walks in Cincinnati and Orlando – the first of more than 65 events planned across the country this year.

With 1 in 13 children in the U.S. affected, food allergies are a serious public health issue that must be addressed in communities nationwide. FARE’s Walk for Food Allergy, presented by Mylan, has raised more than $14 million since its inception and is a family-friendly event that provides a sense of community among individuals and families affected by food allergies, including all those at risk for life-threatening anaphylaxis.

“There is a critical need for funding for food allergy education, advocacy and research,” said John L. Lehr, chief executive officer of FARE. “Working together with the food allergy community, FARE will continue to develop programs to help ensure the safety and inclusion of individuals with food allergies and work with leading investigators to fund world-class research that can reduce the risk of anaphylaxis and help save lives. We thank our dedicated walkers, volunteers and sponsors for their continued support that will enable us to one day say FAREwell to food allergies.”

This year, FARE opened five new regional offices throughout the country to grow its presence and expand fundraising and outreach efforts in order to meet a critical need. FARE increased the number of walks by nearly 50 percent over last year, from 45 to more than 65 nationwide, in order to meet the needs of a community that has seen its numbers grow over the last 20 years.

Walkers need not have a food allergy to participate! Food allergies affect the entire community – parents, adults, educators, healthcare workers, corporate supporters, caregivers, and friends are encouraged to form a team to support this important cause.

While the majority of FARE’s Walk for Food Allergy events occur in the fall, there are several upcoming events in addition to the walks in Cincinnati and Orlando on April 27. Coinciding with National Asthma and Allergy Awareness Month, walks will be held on May 11 in Santa Barbara, Calif. and on May 18 in Boise.

To find a location, register or donate, visit www.foodallergywalk.org.

About FARE
Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) works on behalf of the 15 million Americans with food allergies, including all those at risk for life-threatening anaphylaxis. This potentially deadly disease affects 1 in every 13 children in the U.S. – or roughly two in every classroom. Formed in 2012 as a result of a merger between the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network and the Food Allergy Initiative, FARE’s mission is to ensure the safety and inclusion of individuals with food allergies while relentlessly seeking a cure. We do this by providing evidence-based education and resources, undertaking advocacy at all levels of government, increasing awareness of food allergy as a serious public health issue and funding world-class research that advances treatment and understanding of food allergies. For more information, please visit www.foodallergy.org.

Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) Elects Mary Weiser and Maria Acebal to Board of Directors

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 18:15:00 GMT

McLEAN, VA (March 19, 2013) – Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) announced today that Mary Weiser, Advocate and Fundraising Chair of the University of Michigan’s Food Allergy Center, and Maria Acebal, former CEO of the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN), have been elected as the newest members of its Board of Directors.

“We are pleased to welcome Mary and Maria to FARE’s Board of Directors. Mary has been a passionate advocate, raising millions on behalf of food allergy families. And Maria, having led one of our legacy organizations, brings a wealth of food allergy education experience,” said Todd J. Slotkin, Chairman of FARE’s Board of Directors. “Both will play a vital role in helping guide FARE’s future. Together, we are committed to helping FARE carry out its vision of making the world safe for the food allergy community.”

Weiser has held a number of positions in the state and federal political arena. In addition to her political experience, Weiser has diverse fundraising experience within the corporate and nonprofit settings. She and her husband have two children, both with multiple food allergies.

“Like many of my fellow board members, I know firsthand what it’s like to have your child experience an anaphylactic reaction,” Weiser said. “I look forward to working with the board and the team at FARE on a national level and helping to improve the lives of families affected by food allergies.”
Acebal created the highly respected Safe@School program, designed to train educators about how to keep students with food allergies safe. Prior to serving as FAAN’s CEO, Maria was a litigator in Washington D.C. and later worked at the global consulting firm McKinsey & Co. Maria and her husband have three children, including a daughter with a peanut allergy.

“I am honored to take this next step and become a member of FARE’s Board of Directors, continuing the work that is so vital to families like ours who live with the risk of anaphylaxis,” Acebal said.

FARE’s board is comprised almost entirely of food allergy parents and grandparents. Half of FARE’s board members were previously members of the FAAN board and half were previously on the board of the Food Allergy Initiative. All have been working for years to advance FARE’s mission of ensuring the safety and inclusion of all individuals with food allergies while relentlessly seeking a cure.

About FARE
Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) works on behalf of the 15 million Americans with food allergies, including all those at risk for life-threatening anaphylaxis. This potentially deadly disease affects 1 in every 13 children in the U.S. – or roughly two in every classroom. Formed in 2012 as a result of a merger between the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network and the Food Allergy Initiative, FARE’s mission is to ensure the safety and inclusion of individuals with food allergies while relentlessly seeking a cure. We do this by providing evidence-based education and resources, undertaking advocacy at all levels of government, increasing awareness of food allergy as a serious public health issue and funding world-class research that advances treatment and understanding of food allergies. For more information, please visit www.foodallergy.org.

Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) Debuts New Website

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 14:27:00 GMT

New Site Features Easy-to-Use Navigation and Critical Resources for Food Allergy Management

McLEAN, VA (March 11, 2013) – Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), the nation’s leading food allergy organization, is pleased to announce the launch of its new website, which provides knowledge and resources to help individuals and families who are managing food allergies stay safe and live well. The site also offers information designed to help institutions and organizations ensure the safety and inclusion of individuals with food allergies. FARE works on behalf of the 15 million Americans with food allergies, including all those at risk for life-threatening anaphylaxis.

FARE’s website, www.foodallergy.org, has been eagerly anticipated since the completion of the merger between the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) and the Food Allergy Initiative (FAI), which was announced in November 2012. The new website combines the best content previously available from FAAN and FAI, including highly respected educational resources and advocacy materials, as well as information on clinical trials and advancements in research.

Visitors to the website will immediately notice a new, dynamic look and improved navigation designed to easily lead them to the information they seek. With special sections designed for a variety of audiences and targeted tips for managing food allergies in different situations, the site ensures FARE’s best resources are tailored to users and readily available.

“We have made great strides in raising awareness about food allergies as a serious public health issue in recent years, but we know food allergies continue to be widely misunderstood,” said John L. Lehr, chief executive officer of FARE. “Having a comprehensive website with evidence-based information that helps educate people about food allergies is absolutely critical to our mission. The new www.foodallergy.org will help us continue to advance food allergy education, advocacy, awareness and research on behalf of the food allergy community.”

Visitors to the website will find it easy to become a member of FARE online or to provide a donation to support the 15 million Americans with food allergies. Website visitors can also use the site to connect with FARE’s new regional offices, enabling individuals and families to learn more about advocating in their communities and supporting food allergy education and research programs by participating in regional events.

Additional features on the new site include personal stories, content for kids and teens, and resource pages designed specifically for individual audiences such as the newly diagnosed, parents, college students, adults with food allergies, schools, camps, colleges, restaurants and more, allowing them quick and direct access to the information they need. FARE will be updating the site with new content throughout the year.

About FARE
Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) works on behalf of the 15 million Americans who have food allergy, including all those at risk for life-threatening anaphylaxis. This potentially deadly disease affects 1 in every 13 children in the U.S. – or roughly two in every classroom. Formed in 2012 as a result of a merger between the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network and the Food Allergy Initiative, FARE’s mission is to ensure the safety and inclusion of individuals with food allergies while relentlessly seeking a cure. We do this by funding world-class research that advances treatment and understanding of food allergies, providing evidence-based education and resources, undertaking advocacy at all levels of government and increasing awareness of food allergy as a potentially life-threatening and a growing public health issue. For more information, please visit www.foodallergy.org.

FARE-Funded Researcher Featured in New York Times Article

Sat, 09 Mar 2013 22:10:00 GMT

FARE-funded researcher Dr. Kari Nadeau is featured in a New York Times Magazine article - "The Allergy Buster."The piece is the magazine’s cover story for Sunday, March 10, 2013. FARE is proud to support world-class food allergy research and clinical trials nationwide, including Dr. Nadeau's.

While oral immunotherapy, the treatment featured in the article, has shown encouraging results in clinical trials, it should not be performed outside the academic research setting.

Read the article

Leading Food Allergy Organizations Announce Completion of Merger and Introduce New Name

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 16:01:00 GMT

Merger Between the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network and the Food Allergy Initiative Finalized

FAIRFAX, VA and NEW YORK (Nov. 12, 2012) – The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) and the Food Allergy Initiative (FAI) today announced the completion of their merger, marking a tremendous milestone for the food allergy community. The new organization, known as FARE, will be dedicated to food allergy research and education with the mission of ensuring the safety and inclusion of individuals with food allergies while relentlessly seeking a cure.

FARE combines FAAN’s expertise as the most trusted source of information, programs and resources related to food allergies with FAI’s leadership as the world’s largest private source of funding for food allergy research. The organizations first announced their intent to merge in May and recently received the final regulatory approvals.

Building on the significant accomplishments of FAAN and FAI over the past two decades, FARE will fund world-class research that advances treatment and understanding, provide evidence-based education and resources, undertake advocacy at all levels of government, and work to increase awareness of food allergies as a serious public health issue.

“FARE is committed to serving all those affected by food allergies through research, education, advocacy and awareness,” said John Lehr, CEO of FARE. “Food allergies are a serious and growing public health issue touching every aspect of our society, and it is critical for all of us – whether food-allergic or not – to know how to properly manage this potentially life-threatening condition.”

The merger comes at a crucial time in the national discourse around food allergies. This potentially life-threatening medical condition, which has no cure, affects as many as 15 million people in the U.S., including one in every 13 children – or roughly two in every classroom. With nearly 40 percent of these children already having experienced a severe or life-threatening food-allergic reaction, the need for a cure – and for increased education about the impact of this condition – is urgent.

Through the end of 2012, FAAN and FAI events, public communications and websites will continue with the existing organizations’ names. FARE will debut its new logo and website, which will be located at www.foodallergy.org, in early 2013.

The new organization will be headquartered in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. In addition to existing offices in New York and Chicago, FARE will have five regional offices covering the Northeast, Midwest, Southeast, Southwest and West to help expand fundraising and outreach activities.

Read our FAQ about the merger.

About FARE

Founded in 2012 as a result of a merger between the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network and the Food Allergy Initiative, FARE is a nonprofit organization dedicated to food allergy research and education with the mission of ensuring the safety and inclusion of individuals with food allergies while relentlessly seeking a cure. Food allergies are potentially life-threatening and affect as many as 15 million people in the United States, including 5.9 million children. FARE funds world-class research that advances treatment and understanding of food allergies, provides evidence-based education and resources, undertakes advocacy at all levels of government, and increases awareness of food allergies as a serious public health issue. For more information, please visit www.foodallergy.org.

Media Contact

Nancy Gregory
Media Relations
703) 563-3066
E-mail: ngregory@foodallergy.org

Father Urges Others to Stay Safe in Anaphylaxis Awareness Video Campaign

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 15:54:00 GMT

New Video From the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network Features Father of BJ Hom

FAIRFAX, Va. (Oct. 18, 2012) – More than four years after the death of his 18-year-old son, Brian Hom still vividly remembers the tragic details of his son’s last night alive, and has turned his grief into a crusade to educate others about the severity of food allergies. In a new video launched today by the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN), Hom recounts the night his son suffered a fatal anaphylactic reaction to peanuts.

“Burying a child is a parent’s worst nightmare,” Hom said. “I want people to know that food allergies are real, they are dangerous, and potentially fatal.”

In July 2008, the Hom family traveled to Mexico on vacation to celebrate BJ Hom’s 18th birthday and high school graduation. BJ, who was allergic to peanuts, reacted to a food he had eaten at the hotel’s restaurant. He was not carrying an epinephrine auto-injector.

In the video, Hom describes the series of events leading to BJ’s death and stresses the critical need to have a Food Allergy Action Plan and carry a prescribed epinephrine auto-injector at all times. Epinephrine (adrenaline) is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death.

The video is the second FAAN video designed to raise awareness about the need for food-allergic individuals to be prepared for anaphylactic emergencies. The first video, aimed at teens and released last month, featured actor Kenton Duty, age 17, who is allergic to wheat and chocolate.

“Most food allergy fatalities occur because epinephrine was not readily accessible or there was a delay in the administration of this lifesaving medicine,” said FAAN CEO John Lehr. “Brian’s courage and his commitment to doing everything he can so that no other lives are lost due to food-allergic reactions is to be commended. We think his message will make a strong impact in the community and we are hopeful that the message of this video will be taken to heart.”

The video may be viewed on FAAN’s YouTube page and by visiting www.foodallergy.org/staysafe/index.php.

About FARE

Media Contact

Nancy Gregory
Media Relations
(703) 563-3066
E-mail: ngregory@foodallergy.org

Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Alliance Annual Meeting Unites Global Food Allergy Advocates

Thu, 07 Mar 2013 15:51:00 GMT

Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network Hosts Annual Alliance Meeting

FAIRFAX, Va. (Sept. 24, 2012) – The world’s leading food allergy advocates will convene this week for the 12th annual meeting of the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Alliance to discuss the growing, international food allergy epidemic and the measures needed to protect the millions who live with this potentially life-threatening medical condition.

Between 220 and 520 million people in the world may have a food allergy, according to the World Allergy Organization White Book on Allergy. The Alliance, founded in 1999 to facilitate the exchange of valuable information among like-minded organizations, meets annually and brings together not only food allergy advocates from various continents, but scientists and food industry leaders who are invested in keeping food-allergic individuals safe.

Representatives from 18 member organizations will attend the meeting at the Hyatt Fairfax at Fair Lakes from Sept. 24-26.

“With studies showing a marked increase in the prevalence of food allergy, this is a pivotal point in time for the food allergy community,” said John Lehr, CEO of the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network, one of the founding member organizations of the Alliance. “We welcome our fellow food allergy advocates to this unique annual event for an invaluable opportunity to collaborate and learn from each other.”

Maria Said, president of Allergy and Anaphylaxis Australia, who has been a member of the Alliance since its inception, said sharing information and increasing awareness on management and emergency treatment is what helps save lives.

“Food allergy has no boundaries,” Said stated. “The worldwide increase in prevalence has left many nations grappling to manage what is a potentially life-threatening condition. The formation of the international alliance more than 12 years ago has allowed like-minded community support organizations worldwide to share information, knowledge, resources and expertise. This has afforded many countries the opportunity to learn from one another and even use other nations’ experiences to help improve management locally.”

Among the topics slated for this year’s meeting are allergen trends in food service and the continued use of precautionary statements in ingredient labels.

The first day of the Alliance meeting is dedicated to “Preventive Controls and Allergen Management in the Manufacturing Environment” and is co-sponsored by the Global Food Protection Institute (GFPI).

Featured speakers include Lehr; GFPI CEO Julia Bradsher; Steven Gendel, Ph.D., of the Food and Drug Administration; Steve Taylor, Ph.D., of the Food Allergy Research and Resource Program at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln; and Matthew Greenhawt, M.D., M.D.A., M.S.c., an assistant professor in the Division of Allergy and Immunology at the University of Michigan and research director for the University of Michigan Food Allergy Center.

Alliance members at the meeting include leaders from FAAN, Allergy New Zealand, Netherlands Anaphylaxis Network, Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia, The Anaphylaxis Campaign (UK), Anaphylaxis Canada, German Allergy and Asthma Association, Israel Food Allergy Support Network, Food Allergy Italia, Food Allergy Partnership (Japan), Hong Kong Allergy Association, Growing Up with Allergies in Chile, French Association for Allergy Prevention, Prevention of Allergy (Belgium), Spanish Association of Food and Latex Allergy, and food allergy advocates from India, Argentina, and Mexico.

About FARE

Media Contact

Nancy Gregory
Media Relations
(703) 563-3066
E-mail: ngregory@foodallergy.org