FARE Blog

Hello, my name is Mimi Hymel and I am a part of FARE’s Teen Advisory Group (TAG). I am allergic to tree nuts and recently outgrew my egg allergy. I know many others who have food allergies as well. It has inspired me to help others in my community with food allergies, and improve their quality of life.

Richard Blais is a successful chef, restaurateur, James Beard-nominated cookbook author and television personality. Perhaps most recognizable as a recurring judge on Bravo’s Top Chef and the winner of Top Chef All-Stars. Blais graduated from the Culinary Institute of America and trained at The French Laundry, Daniel, Chez Panisse, and el Bulli

Erik Wambre, PhD, is on the faculty of the Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason, located in Seattle, WA. He received a 2015 Mid-Career FARE Investigator in Food Allergy Award for his research to understand immune cell responses in peanut allergy.

Duane Wesemann, MD PhD, is an assistant professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and a principal investigator in the Division of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy at the Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston.

As molecular biology research has become more sophisticated and personalized genetic testing has become more popular, some members of the food allergy community have asked us when genetic tests and treatments for food allergy will become available.

Michael learned the value of community at a FARE’s Food Allergy Heroes Walk and quickly became an advocate for the entire food allergy community. Michael shares his story:

Heidi is a food allergy mom who became a leader in her workplace and local community, recruiting 100 of her co-workers to join FARE’s Food Allergy Heroes Walk in Baltimore! Heidi shares her story:

In 2018, FARE is awarding more than $104,000 for 42 projects through our Community Outreach Award Program. In 25 states and in Mexico, FARE-Recognized Support Group Leaders and FARE Food Allergy Heroes Walk Chair volunteers are spearheading initiatives designed to educate others about the severity of food allergies and raise awareness in their local communities.

If you’re managing food allergies, you’ve probably encountered precautionary allergen labeling. After you’ve carefully read the ingredients list and any “Contains” statement, you might also find suggestions that other ingredients – allergens – are hiding in the package.

Brandy’s daughter, Lauren, was first diagnosed with food allergies as an infant. Since then, she and Lauren have been involved in many different areas of FARE, most recently springing into action by advocating for national legislation to require labeling of sesame as the ninth most common allergen. They share their story: