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FAAN Honors Food Allergy Heroes

FAIRFAX, Va. (Feb. 9, 2011) – FAAN (The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network) will be holding its inaugural Honors Gala in Los Angeles on Feb. 10 at the El Rey Theatre, recognizing several heroes of food allergy awareness and featuring Glee guest star, Charice, as the headline performer.

Food allergy is an often misunderstood, potentially life-threatening medical condition for which there is no cure. Thankfully, individuals and corporations such as those being honored by FAAN are making an extraordinary impact. They are our “Heroes of the Heart.”

“Through their extraordinary efforts, each of these individuals and corporations has set an example for others and has truly made a difference in the lives of people with food allergies,” said FAAN CEO Julia Bradsher. “We are grateful for their outstanding work and we are so pleased to recognize them at our inaugural honors Gala.”  

The honorees are:

  • Walt Disney Parks and Resorts – Dedicated to providing families with food allergies a safe and enjoyable dining experience while on vacation, Walt Disney Parks and Resorts has become known for its commitment to food allergy awareness, education, and management. Disney cast and crew members receive food safety training focusing on food allergies and are responsive to the needs of the food allergy community. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts will receive the FAAN Corporate Leadership Award.
  • Brian Hom – In 2008, Hom’s 18-year-old son, BJ, died tragically during a family vacation to Mexico in which he experienced a fatal reaction to peanut. In spite of the emotional difficulty in doing so, Hom regularly advocates and speaks publicly on food allergy awareness and education. This year, Hom will host the inaugural BJ Hom Memorial 5K Run/Walk in San Jose, CA. For his courageous commitment to food allergy education and awareness, Hom will receive the FAAN Family Advocacy Award.
  • Kristy Villa – Villa’s 12-minute segment on FAAN and food allergies on The Balancing Act on Lifetime Television in September 2010 was an educational, well-researched, and heartbreaking representation of the reality of food allergy. She will receive FAAN’s Media Award.
  • Kendall Hollinger – Despite severe allergies to dozens of foods, 13-year-old Kendall has shown tenacity and determination in pursuing her figure skating dream while raising awareness about food allergies, sharing her story to help others. This has included appearances on Good Morning America and Young Icons. Kendall will receive the FAAN Teen Hero Award.
  • Melanie and Tom Staggs – Longtime active members of FAAN, Melanie and Tom have focused their efforts on raising funds to find for a cure for food allergies.  Their signature event, “Thursday Night at the Movies” has raised nearly $2 million over the past six years. Melanie serves on FAAN’s research advisory board and Tom has championed food allergy awareness in his role as Chairman of Walt Disney Parks and Resorts. The Staggs will receive the FAAN Family Leadership Award.
  • The Campbell Soup Company – Implementing an innovative scanning technology that allows for the enhancement of allergen labeling on products, the Campbell Soup Company is committed to food allergy safety, awareness, and education.  In addition, they have recognized the need for those in the food allergy community, regardless of their financial situation, to have access to FAAN’s newsletters and materials that people receive as members, and were the first company to fund FAAN’s Angel Fund. The Campbell Soup Company will receive the FAAN Corporate Advocacy Award.

The Los Angeles Honors Gala will start at 6:00 p.m. and feature entertainment by singer/songwriter and FAAN Ambassador Who Cares Luke Pilgrim, recording artist and FAAN Ambassador Who Cares Adam Pascal, singer Charice (known for her guest appearance on “Glee”), and a capella group The Backbeats (“The Sing-Off”). The Master of Ceremonies for the Gala will be actor and FAAN Ambassador Who Cares Frank Dicopoulos. Funds raised from the Gala will help FAAN pursue its mission to raise public awareness, to provide advocacy and education, and to advance research on behalf of all those affected by food allergies and anaphylaxis.

About FAAN

Founded in 1991, the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) is the world leader in information, resources, and programs for food allergy, a potentially life-threatening medical condition that afflicts as many as 15 million Americans, including almost 6 million children. A nonprofit organization based in Fairfax, Va., FAAN is dedicated to increasing public awareness of food allergy and its consequences, to educating people about the condition, and to advancing research on behalf of all those affected by it. FAAN provides information and educational resources about food allergy to patients, their families, schools, health professionals, pharmaceutical companies, the food industry, and government officials. On May 9, 2012, FAAN announced its intent to merge with the other leading food allergy organization, the Food Allergy Initiative, pending state regulatory approval. To become a member or for more information, please visit FAAN at www.foodallergy.org.

Media Contact

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