15 Million Reasons to Walk: 2014 FARE Walk for Food Allergy Kicks Off
McLean, VA (PRWEB) April 24, 2014 -- Up to 15 million Americans have a food allergy, which means there are 15 million reasons to get involved with efforts to find a cure. Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), the nation’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure for food allergies and supporting the food allergy community, will host more than 65 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 world-class 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 2013, the 65 FARE Walk for Food Allergy events attracted 40,000 people who participated in raising a record $3.6 million. FARE aims to break this fundraising record yet again, in keeping with its commitment to finding a cure for food allergy and ensuring the safety and inclusion of individuals affected by this life-altering and potentially life-threatening disease.
“Food allergy is an increasingly common disease for which there currently is no cure. It affects people of all ages, races, geographies and economic means, and with so many people affected, chances are you know someone with a food allergy,” said John L. Lehr, chief executive officer of FARE. “By joining the FARE Walk for Food Allergy or donating to a walker, you are helping us invest in life-changing research, and in programs that will improve the safety and quality of life for 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 has increased by a staggering 50 percent since 1997, and every three minutes a food allergy reaction sends someone to the emergency room. President Obama’s recent signature on the School Access to Emergency Epinephrine Act supports the need to protect students with food allergies, but more research, education, advocacy and awareness efforts are needed to improve prevention and treatment options, ensure school and work environments are safe and inclusive, train restaurants and dining halls to take proper precautions, and increase understanding of food allergy. The funds raised through the FARE Walk for Food Allergy support FARE’s work in all of these mission areas.
“The FARE Walk for Food Allergy events are an important vehicle to continue to raise awareness of food allergies, a growing public health issue that affects approximately one in 13 children in the U.S.,” said Roger D. Graham Jr., president of Mylan Specialty. “Mylan is proud to play a part in FARE’s fundraising and awareness-building efforts as the national presenting sponsor of the walk events for the eighth consecutive year. These events are a wonderful opportunity to help extend awareness and education in local communities and support Mylan’s long-standing commitment to helping those with life-threatening allergies.”
The FARE Walk for Food Allergy, which kicks off April 26 in Morgantown, W. Va., has raised more than $19 million since its inception in 2004. Open to all, anyone may form a team or participate as an individual to support this important cause and help us say FAREwell to food allergies. With 15 million Americans living with food allergies, there are 15 million reasons to walk.
For a list of all FARE Walk for Food Allergy events, to register, form a team or make a donation, visit http://www.foodallergywalk.org.
ABOUT FARE
Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) works on behalf of the 15 million Americans with food allergies, including all those at risk for life-threatening anaphylaxis. This potentially deadly disease affects 1 in every 13 children in the U.S. – or roughly two in every classroom. Formed in 2012 as a result of a merger between the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network and the Food Allergy Initiative, FARE’s mission is to find a cure for food allergies, and to keep individuals safe and included. We do this by investing in world-class research that advances treatment and understanding of the disease, providing evidence-based education and resources, undertaking advocacy at all levels of government and increasing awareness of food allergy as a serious public health issue. For more information, please visit http://www.foodallergy.org.
Nancy Gregory, Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), http://www.foodallergy.org, +1 703-563-3066, [email protected]
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