McLean, VA (PRWEB) May 21, 2015
Every three minutes, a food allergy reaction sends someone in the United States to the emergency department. Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) - the nation’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to the food allergy community - will host more than 50 FARE Walk for Food Allergy events across the country this year. This national program not only increases awareness of food allergy as a growing public health issue, but also raises vital funds to accelerate research, create educational resources, and advance advocacy priorities.
The FARE Walk for Food Allergy, presented by Mylan, gathers friends, families, neighbors and co-workers together from coast to coast. In 2014, FARE Walk for Food Allergy events attracted 35,000 people who participated in raising more than $3 million. This year, FARE aims to exceed these numbers in support of its new mission: to improve the quality of life and the health of individuals with food allergies, and to provide them hope through the promise of new treatments.
“Roughly 15 million Americans have food allergies, which affect every demographic across the country. With increasing numbers affected, it is now more important than ever to concentrate efforts on effective treatments and ensuring that individuals with food allergies have access to resources that help keep them safe,” said James R. Baker, Jr., MD, CEO and chief medical officer of FARE. “When you join the FARE Walk for Food Allergy or donate to a team, you’re showing your support for programs and initiatives that advance research and enhance the quality of life of those who are managing this life-altering and potentially life-threatening disease.”
Food allergies are a serious and growing public health issue affecting every area of life. The CDC reports that the number of children with food allergy increased by a staggering 50 percent between 1997 and 2011. The funds raised through the FARE Walk for Food Allergy support FARE’s work to build a deep scientific understanding of food allergies, contribute to a robust pipeline of new therapies, help individuals and families through its educational programs and resources, advance advocacy initiatives that help protect those affected by food allergies and increase understanding of food allergy as a serious public health issue.
“Mylan is proud to be the presenting sponsor of all 2015 FARE Walk for Food Allergy Events,” said Roger D. Graham, Jr., president of Mylan Specialty. “We are committed to supporting this cause as we recognize the important work being done by FARE to increase awareness of food allergies and raise funds to help the millions of Americans at risk for a life-threatening allergic reaction.”
The FARE Walk for Food Allergy, which kicks off this spring, has raised more than $22 million since its inception in 2004. Open to all, anyone may form a team or participate as an individual to support this important cause. With 15 million Americans living with food allergies, there are 15 million reasons to walk.
The first FARE Walk for Food Allergy of 2015 will take place May 30 in Minneapolis. For a complete list of FARE Walk for Food Allergy events or to register, form a team or make a donation, visit http://www.foodallergywalk.org.