News

Below is general NC FACES information or information that has been sent to NC FACES from other food allergy sources and we are just providing a central place to share it. Please check back often for updates.

• Upcoming with NC FACES!
  Wednesday, February  29th:  First Meeting for 2012
  
  It is a great chance to reconnect and share stories and support.  We will go over the a tentative calendar of event ideas for the year.  We may have a few surprises as we will be celebrating our 10th year as a support group!  Please join us and share what is important to you and any ideas, suggestions, energy, etc.  We will send additional details once the date is confirmed.
  

• There is an upcoming discussion: Peanut Allergies in Children and Adults given by Duke at the Teer House in Durham on Monday, March 26th.  Present by Dr. Brian Vickery, this discussion requires registration but is free and open to the public.
  
  
• Proposed Bill Aims to Treat Anaphylactic Reactions in Schools needs families’ help
  FAIRFAX, Va. (Nov. 17, 2011) – Legislation bill (S. 1884), the School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act,  that would help put lifesaving medicine in the hands of school personnel and help protect millions of children in the U.S. with potentially life-threatening food allergies – as well as others with undiagnosed food allergies – was introduced today on Capitol Hill as the result of efforts by U.S. Senators Dick Durbin (D-IL) and Mark Kirk (R-IL) of Illinois.

  Nearly six million children in the U.S. have food allergies. Many are at risk for anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death. Earlier this year, the state of Illinois passed a law that allows schools to obtain and administer a non-student specific prescription for epinephrine, the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis.

  Studies have shown that as many as 25 percent of epinephrine administrations in schools involved individuals with a previously unknown allergy. As a result, they do not possess their own prescription for epinephrine.

  “This law could potentially save the life of an elementary school student whose parents didn’t know he or she had any food allergies or a high schooler whose reaction was so severe that he or she required a second dose of epinephrine but only had one auto-injector at school. When someone experiences anaphylaxis, every second counts,” said FAAN CEO Maria L. Acebal.

  FAAN is asking for everyone’s help to get your senators’ support by downloading their sample letter of support, personalizing it, and sending it to your senators.   You can look up your local senators at www.senate.gov.

• Thank you to everyone that participated and volunteered for the 3rd annual FAAN Walk in the Raleigh area.  The FAAN Walk committee did a FAANtastic job with a wonderful event that exceeded goals!  Congratulations!
  
  
• Burks named new chair of UNC Department of Pediatrics, Physician-in-Chief of N.C. Children's Hospital 
  

• Whenever you have a chance, follow member Wendy Mondello's Taste of Allergy Free Living blog as articles by member Joyce Hick's about living with food allergies.  They are sure to have some great information and insights!
  

• Food allergy articles/shows of interest featuring NC FACES parents over the last year:
  Understanding and Managing Life-Threatening Reactions (Living Without February 2012)
  Beware of Food Allergies and Treats that May Not Mix (Carolina Parent October 2011)
  Event is More than a Walk in the Park (Taste of Allergy-Free Living October 2011)
  Tips ... at the NC State Fair (Indy Week October 2011)
  Ten Things: What Every Kid with Food Allergies....(Living Without July 2011)
  Food Allergic Kids Rock in Cary (Taste of Allergy-Free Living June 2011)
  You'll Have a Positive Reaction (News and Observer June 2011)
  Special Concert Focuses on Kids (WRAL GoAskMom June 2011)
  No Bull, Peanut-free Section A Hit (Taste of Allergy-Free Living June 2011)
  Peanut free Baseball (Allergic Traveler June 2011)
  Breaking Bad Bread (Indy Week May 2011)
  Egg-static at Easter (Taste of Allergy-Free Living April 2011)
  Desparate Dinners for Allergic Eaters (Indy Week March 2011)
  Allergen-free Super Bowl buffet and Valentine's Day goodies (Indy Week Feb 2011)
  Wendy Mondello's Q&A with Kyle Dine!(Living Without Feb/Mar 2011 issue)
  
  

The NC FACES support group is a network of friends who support each other and not a professional organization. Information shared here is for information purposes only and is not being provided as medical advice or endorsement by NC FACES.