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FARE Blog September 16, 2021

FARE Leadership Spotlight - September 2021

Meet Helen Jaffe, a member of FARE’s Board of Directors, and learn a little more about her!

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  • What's your name, where are you from, and what is your food allergy connection?

My name is Helen Jaffe. My husband David and I live in New Canaan, Connecticut and NYC. We are the parents of four wonderful kids who were all born with food allergies. In the early 1990s food allergies were a mystery and not well understood. In 1997 our family established the first medical research institute dedicated to food allergy research at the Jaffe Food Allergy Institute at Mount Sinai in NYC.  

  • What drew you to FARE? Why do you support FARE?

As one of the founding members of the Food Allergy Initiative, one of FARE’s legacy organizations, we were able to help raise funds for basic research, provide support for families and patients, and increase food allergy awareness. For over 20 years in Connecticut I helped lead educational initiatives, develop school food allergy policies, and advocate to create a safer environment for food-allergic children. Today it is my privilege to serve on the FARE Board of Directors and to chair the Governance and Nominating Committee. I support FARE because it is the most trusted resource for patients, family and industry.

  • When you think of FARE, what first comes to mind?

I think of the families and children/adults who have to manage the complexities of day-to-day living with life-threatening food allergies. I think of the hope and promise for tangible treatments.

  • What is one thing you would tell any food-allergic person or parent/guardian of a food-allergic person?

Trust your gut and trust your child.  

  • What is the best food allergy advice you ever received?

Always be prepared. Accidents happen even when we try to be careful. During an anaphylactic reaction, don’t panic. Take a moment to read the instructions for your epinephrine device (to catch your breath) and then give the epinephrine.

  • What is your favorite hobby or pastime?

I love to cook delicious meals for my family and dear friends.

Learning about the most current science and research updates in gut/microbiome, barriers impact, and neuro connection. So excited!

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