Be a FAAN Hero

I really love the theme for Food Allergy Awareness Week this year: Be a FAAN Hero. That really says it, because when you protect someone with food allergies, you really are saving someone's life. During the FAAW Twitter Party the other night, Gina Clowes made a comment that also captured an important idea:

"We don’t get a sign from God or the Universe on the day that something bad is going to happen. We have to be vigilant every day. #FAAW"  Well said, Gina!

Take a look at FAAN's press release below for FAAW and spread the word!

FROM the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network:

Annual Awareness Campaign Promotes Food Allergies

FAIRFAX, Va. (March 1, 2011) – From their parents to their teachers to their health care providers, it takes a team effort to care for the approximately 12 million Americans, including 3 million children, in the U.S. with food allergies. During Food Allergy Awareness Week, FAAN (The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network) salutes the heroes who do so much to protect those with food allergies.

The theme for the 14th Annual Food Allergy Awareness Week (FAAW), May 8-14, is “Be a FAAN Hero.” School nurses, principals, teachers, friends, doctors, parents, and extended family members are all part of a heroic group that practice safe food allergy management and vigilance to avoid potentially life-threatening reactions.

Each year, there are more than 300,000 food allergy-related ambulatory-care visits in the U.S. among children. In addition, food allergies are the most common trigger of anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death) in children.

During FAAW, it has become tradition for the food allergy community to come together to educate others about food allergies. In years past, members of this community have gone into their children’s schools to make presentations, read books, held fundraisers, or staged contests, all with a food allergy theme.

“We encourage everyone to ‘Be a FAAN Hero’ and make a difference in the life of someone with food allergies not only during Food Allergy Awareness Week, but each and every day throughout the year,” said Julia Bradsher, CEO of FAAN. “If you don’t have a food allergy, educate yourself – you could save someone’s life.”

Attached you will find a story about food allergies from someone who lives with them on a daily basis.

For more information on Food Allergy Awareness Week, visit www.foodallergy.org.