First Lady Patricia Blagojevich Walks to Raise Awareness about Potentially Life-Threatening Food Allergies to Save Children's Lives

CHICAGO -  Nationwide, some three million children suffer from food allergies, including one out of seventeen children under three years of age.  Incredibly, of the 2.1 million school-aged children in Illinois, an estimated 93,000 of them are affected by food allergies. Due to these startling statistics, Lady Patricia Blagojevich put on her walking shoes today and participated in a three-mile walk through the Lincoln Park Community to increase awareness about the serious and even life-threatening reactions certain foods have on children.

 

As Honorary Chair of the 2008 Chicago's Food Allergy Walk, the First Lady spoke to nearly 1,000 participants, including parents, advocates, educators and concerned citizens, about her first-hand experience of having a child with food allergies, and her Food Allergy Awareness Campaign initiatives. She also spoke about the importance of educating parents, educators and others about best-practices - inside and outside the home - for preventing potentially serious consequences that food allergies have on food-allergic children. 

"I know how scary it is to watch your child suffer through a life-threatening reaction to a food allergy. That is why I believe there is no reason to wait to pass legislation that safeguards our children," said Mrs. Blagojevich. "With the right support from legislators and by educating parents, students and school staff, we can create safer environments for our children and prevent allergic reactions at home, school and restaurants."

In May, First Lady Patricia Blagojevich launched the preventative "Ask Before You Eat," statewide education campaign to educate parents about the unintentional and potentially life-threatening harm food allergies can have on their children.  It promotes public awareness through a new brochure, promotional wristbands for children and adults, posters, print and web-based advertisements. 

The campaign works in concert with the Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois Children and Family Services, and the Illinois State Board of Education to provide outreach to schools, communities and the food service industry.  Awareness efforts also target child care centers, community learning centers, park districts, summer camps and after-school programs. 

"The First Lady has been a long-time supporter on behalf of children with food allergies," said Anne Munoz-Furlong, founder and CEO of the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN).  "Until there is a cure, education is key to avoiding reactions. First Lady Blagojevich's commitment to helping raise awareness about food allergies and educating others will save lives. FAAN is honored to be working with her."

"On behalf of the food-allergic children of Illinois and the parents that have gone to great lengths to protect their children, I would like to express my appreciation to both the Governor and First Lady Patti Blagojevich for their leadership and continued commitment to pushing the importance of food allergy awareness to the forefront," said Denise Bunning, parent of two children with life-threatening food allergies and food allergy advocate.  "Parents with children who have life-threatening food allergies know it is imperative that Illinois' school boards implement guidelines that help schools deal with these fragile children."

"I appreciate the Governor's leadership on this issue; this continues to be important to the members of the General Assembly," said Senator Susan Garrett (D-Lake Forest), who is attempting to submit a food allergen bill to the Illinois General Assembly.  "I look forward to working with my colleagues to introduce legislation this fall that will help these children and their families provide a safe environment for children with food allergies."

The most common food allergens include peanuts and tree nuts, soy, fish and shellfish, milk products, wheat and eggs.  Even tiny amounts of these food allergens can spark a reaction, and there is no cure, only prevention and treatment.  Symptoms can range from skin rash to shortness of breath, but can lead to fatal tragedy with little warning.  Serving allergen-free foods depends on a cooperative effort between parents and the schools, facilities, programs and businesses that serve food to children.