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FAAN’s Walk for Food Allergy Raises $2.4 Million for Vital Programs

National Walk Program Gearing up for 2011 Season by Opening Registration    

FAIRFAX, Va. (April 13, 2011) – In an inspiring show of support from thousands of people across the country, FAAN’s (the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network) Walk for Food Allergy last year raised more than $2.4 million and attracted more than 30,000 participants – the highest total in seven Walk seasons.

The FAAN Walk for Food Allergy, which took place in 54 cities in the U.S. in 2010, brings together families and caring individuals who are dedicated to raising funds for food allergy awareness, advocacy, education, and research programs. Food allergies are a potentially life-threatening medical condition afflicting 12 million Americans, including three million children. FAAN’s programs are vital to help others understand the severity of food allergy, and to provide families with strategies for food allergy management.

“We are thrilled about the success of our Walk events, and are grateful for the hard work of our volunteers, who are so dedicated to our cause,” said Jon Gonzalez, FAAN Chief Development Officer. “In this, our 20th year of FAAN’s existence, we remain strongly committed to the food allergy community and look forward to another successful Walk season.” 

Mike Schwartz, chair of the FAAN Walk for Food Allergy on Long Island, NY, became involved six years ago because of his son’s life-threatening food allergies. In 2010, the Long Island event was attended by more than 2,000 people – more than any other FAAN Walk in the country.

“Because of this large turnout, many families are able to network with others from their neighborhoods, meet the representatives from local support groups, and have the opportunity to sample allergy-friendly products provided by sponsors,” Schwartz said. “My family has made many lasting friendships due to our involvement with FAAN and the FAAN Walk for Food Allergy.”

Families throughout the country are encouraged to get involved with the 2011 FAAN Walk for Food Allergy events. More than 40 walks are planned throughout the country this year, as well as a virtual Walk scheduled for Dec. 10, where individuals may participate online. Individuals may register online at www.foodallergywalk.org.

The 2011 National Presenting Sponsor of the FAAN Walk for Food Allergy is Dey Pharma, L.P., a subsidiary of Mylan Inc.

“Mylan and Dey Pharma are honored to sponsor FAAN’s Walk for Food Allergy events,” said Lloyd Sanders, Dey Pharma Chief Operating Officer. “The Walks are perfect venues to raise awareness about the prevalence and risk of food allergies, a condition which affects one in 25 Americans. Helping FAAN carry out its mission to educate and support people with food allergies and those at risk for anaphylaxis is extremely gratifying for our company.”

Learn more by visiting www.foodallergywalk.org.

About Dey

Dey Pharma, L.P., a subsidiary of Mylan Inc. (Nasdaq: MYL), is a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the development, manufacturing and marketing of prescription drug products for the treatment of respiratory diseases, severe allergic reactions and psychiatric disorders. The company puts patients first and facilitates efficient, cost-effective partnerships with customers. For more information, please visit www.dey.com. 

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