Say FAREwell to Food Allergies

By Ellie Schulman, Film and Television student, College of Communication

My name is Ellie Schulman, and I’m lactose intolerant.

Wait, this isn’t Intolerants Anonymous? My bad.

http://www.godairyfree.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/farelogo.jpg

Anyway, there’s a lovely organization called Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) that does pretty much exactly what its name implies. We actually did a blog post about FARE’s website a while back, highlighting it as a good resource for people with food allergies. The group will soon be hosting a series of Walks around the country to raise money to educate the world about food allergies through research and advocacy. Quite the noble cause!

Why is it so noble, you ask? Because food allergies are no joke. According to the FARE stats and facts page, “Every 3 minutes, a food allergy reaction sends someone to the emergency department,” and those are just the reactions that are serious enough to send someone to the hospital. Some reactions are so bad they result in “anaphylaxis, a severe and potentially deadly reaction.”

As you can see, the issue of food allergies demands notice and shouldn’t be taken lightly…despite the fact that I opened this post with a joke. What can I say, I take the issue seriously, but my self-deprecation is persistent.

RD Lisa Ferreira, the SCNC’s expert on food allergies, acknowledges the lack of awareness surrounding the issue, especially in children. “Some people don’t understand the severity; they may even become annoyed,” she says. “Some kids bully and even try to harm [children with food allergies]. I love the idea of these Walks in order to raise awareness.”

So listen up, kiddos! There are two FARE Walks that I’d like to bring to your notice because they aren’t too far from our home in Boston.

http://www.foodallergy.org/FARE-WALK-for-FOOD-ALLERGY

First, on September 22, there is a Walk in Newport, Rhode Island. I have graciously provided a link to the event details from their site here, and you can register on the left-hand side of the page if you want to support the cause for yourself or for someone you know. If you do join the Walk, make sure to let your friends know that you’ve registered so they can pledge money on your behalf. And hey, just because they weren’t willing to cover you that one time you all went out for ice cream and you forgot your wallet and had to watch everyone enjoy their waffle cones while you sat in teary-eyed observance—doesn’t mean they won’t be willing to help you fund-raise for the cause!

Second, on October 6, there’s a walk in Massachusetts! Again, click the link for details and register on the left-hand side.

If it’s too difficult to get out to either Walk but you really wish you could go, you can still help the cause. Bust out your wallet (I’m glad you found it after that whole ice cream fiasco) and donate! You can donate however much you want, so if you feel like you don’t have more than five dollars to spare this week, that’s totally okay!

I hope you come back and comment to me about your magical day at the FARE Walk.

Adios amigos.

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One Comment

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