NEW ROCHELLE, NY — The FARE Walk for Food Allergy, one of Food Allergy Research & Education’s flagship fundraising, awareness and community-building programs, will be in New Rochelle with the goal of raising critically needed funds that will make a difference in the lives of 15 million Americans living with food allergies.
The FARE Walk for Food Allergy in Westchester will be held on Saturday, October 15th at Glen Island Park in New Rochelle from 1pm to 4pm.
FARE, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to food allergy, has been at the forefront of food allergy advances in the areas of research, education and advocacy for more than 20 years. In the United States, 1 in 13 children has a food allergy – roughly two in every classroom – and a food allergy reaction sends someone to the emergency room every three minutes.
The FARE Walk for Food Allergy gathers friends, families, neighbors and co-workers together from coast-to-coast. It has raised more than $24 million since 2004 to fund essential programs to support all those affected by food allergy, a potentially life-threatening disease. Funds raised by the walk help to create high-impact national initiatives such as:
● The FARE Clinical Network, the nation’s largest collaborative network dedicated to food allergy research and clinical care,
● The FARE Investigator in Food Allergy Awards, which provide funding for cutting-edge research to early and mid-career scientists studying food allergy,
● Awareness campaigns to raise the profile of food allergy as a serious public health issue,
● Mobilization on advocacy priorities such as expanding access to epinephrine, the first-line treatment for severe allergic reactions, and
● The expansion of the FARE College Food Allergy Program, which is helping colleges and universities provide a safer experience for students with food allergies.
“For more than a decade, the FARE Walk for Food Allergy has united communities in support of those managing this potentially life-threatening disease,” said James R. Baker, Jr., MD, CEO and chief medical officer of FARE. “By fundraising as a walker in the FARE Walk for Food Allergy or donating to a team, you are supporting advances in research, advocacy and education that can change – and save – lives. We can’t do it without your support.”
There will be many activities to celebrate FARE’s Teal Pumpkin Project®, a national initiative that promotes safety, inclusion and respect of individuals managing food allergies by encouraging households to display a teal pumpkin and provide non-food treats for trick-or-treaters.
The ceremony will be Emceed by Lee Goldberg, and will have special guests Kyle Dine, who will be performing a concert and Stephanie Sorkin, who will be signing her children’s book, “Nutley, the Nut-Free Squirrel.” The family fun day will have local sponsors, music, face painting, a magician, photobooth and more!
Michelle Isban, co-chair for this year’s Westchester walk feels extremely lucky to be a part of the walk and FARE. “This walk is so important to our family. Not only are we supporting an amazing organization but we are teaming up to help spread awareness! Education and awareness is the key to keeping those with food allergies safe and included! Our whole team which is still growing is so excited for 10/15! It really is a special day for my daughter who is allergic to eggs, dairy, sesame, casein, peanuts, crab, chicken and duck. Our team which includes many friends and family will be there to support her and others with food allergies.”
For more information, or to register or volunteer, visit www.foodallergywalk.org/westchester2016.
