Merger Between the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network and the Food Allergy Initiative Finalized

FAIRFAX, VA and NEW YORK (Nov. 12, 2012) – The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) and the Food Allergy Initiative (FAI) today announced the completion of their merger, marking a tremendous milestone for the food allergy community. The new organization, known as FARE, will be dedicated to food allergy research and education with the mission of ensuring the safety and inclusion of individuals with food allergies while relentlessly seeking a cure.

FARE combines FAAN’s expertise as the most trusted source of information, programs and resources related to food allergies with FAI’s leadership as the world’s largest private source of funding for food allergy research. The organizations first announced their intent to merge in May and recently received the final regulatory approvals.

Building on the significant accomplishments of FAAN and FAI over the past two decades, FARE will fund world-class research that advances treatment and understanding, provide evidence-based education and resources, undertake advocacy at all levels of government, and work to increase awareness of food allergies as a serious public health issue.

“FARE is committed to serving all those affected by food allergies through research, education, advocacy and awareness,” said John Lehr, CEO of FARE. “Food allergies are a serious and growing public health issue touching every aspect of our society, and it is critical for all of us – whether food-allergic or not – to know how to properly manage this potentially life-threatening condition.”

The merger comes at a crucial time in the national discourse around food allergies. This potentially life-threatening medical condition, which has no cure, affects as many as 15 million people in the U.S., including one in every 13 children – or roughly two in every classroom. With nearly 40 percent of these children already having experienced a severe or life-threatening food-allergic reaction, the need for a cure – and for increased education about the impact of this condition – is urgent.

Through the end of 2012, FAAN and FAI events, public communications and websites will continue with the existing organizations’ names. FARE will debut its new logo and website, which will be located at www.foodallergy.org, in early 2013.

The new organization will be headquartered in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. In addition to existing offices in New York and Chicago, FARE will have five regional offices covering the Northeast, Midwest, Southeast, Southwest and West to help expand fundraising and outreach activities.

Read our FAQ about the merger.

New Video From the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network Features Father of BJ Hom

FAIRFAX, Va. (Oct. 18, 2012) – More than four years after the death of his 18-year-old son, Brian Hom still vividly remembers the tragic details of his son’s last night alive, and has turned his grief into a crusade to educate others about the severity of food allergies. In a new video launched today by the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN), Hom recounts the night his son suffered a fatal anaphylactic reaction to peanuts.

“Burying a child is a parent’s worst nightmare,” Hom said. “I want people to know that food allergies are real, they are dangerous, and potentially fatal.”

In July 2008, the Hom family traveled to Mexico on vacation to celebrate BJ Hom’s 18th birthday and high school graduation. BJ, who was allergic to peanuts, reacted to a food he had eaten at the hotel’s restaurant. He was not carrying an epinephrine auto-injector.

In the video, Hom describes the series of events leading to BJ’s death and stresses the critical need to have a Food Allergy Action Plan and carry a prescribed epinephrine auto-injector at all times. Epinephrine (adrenaline) is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction that is rapid in onset and may cause death.

The video is the second FAAN video designed to raise awareness about the need for food-allergic individuals to be prepared for anaphylactic emergencies. The first video, aimed at teens and released last month, featured actor Kenton Duty, age 17, who is allergic to wheat and chocolate.

“Most food allergy fatalities occur because epinephrine was not readily accessible or there was a delay in the administration of this lifesaving medicine,” said FAAN CEO John Lehr. “Brian’s courage and his commitment to doing everything he can so that no other lives are lost due to food-allergic reactions is to be commended. We think his message will make a strong impact in the community and we are hopeful that the message of this video will be taken to heart.”   

The video may be viewed on FAAN’s YouTube page and by visiting www.foodallergy.org/staysafe/index.php.