Even though paramedics arrived within five minutes after being contacted and immediately administered epinephrine, 12-year-old Wyatt Polachek died after reacting to something he ingested. He did not have his own epinephrine auto-injector with him as he had never had an allergic reaction severe enough to warrant one. Wyatt’s family donated his organs, and it is estimated they will help at least eight people waiting for transplants. This article reminds readers to always carry two epinephrine auto-injector (EAI) devices with them and to remember that what caused a mild reaction in the past may lead to a severe reaction in the future.
Wyatt Polacheck, a 12-year-old with an allergy to peanuts and tree nuts, was enjoying a college football game viewing party with family and friends on November 30. He had a reaction to something he ingested and collapsed.
As we wind up yet another year, it’s the perfect time to sit back and reflect on all that has been accomplished in 2019. But of course nothing would have been possible without the hard work and support we receive every day from so many in our community. Here’s our founder Jon Terry’s list of people and organizations that have been especially helpful this past year in reaching our ongoing vision of “Not another life lost to anaphylaxis - not another life lost ANY life-threatening allergies!”
Big Jon's Holiday Gratitude List '19
Photo Credit - Kristen Zale
By Jon Terry December 10, 2019
Happy Holidays! I sincerely hope all of our readers have had a great year and are looking forward to 2020. At this particular time of year it is a regular occurrence for individuals and organizations to offer up gratitude lists of various sorts. Most lists recount events from the past year that were particularly hopeful or meaningful. That is pretty much what I want to share with all the supporters and affiliates of the Allergy Advocacy Association. I firmly believe that we do have a lot to feel grateful about. Please see my “thank you” list below.
Regarding health care costs, it is no surprise to any American that they continue to increase for everyone year after year. And for individuals and families afflicted with peanut allergies, insurance claims are skyrocketing even higher. Are there any new alternatives and options for prevention and treatment of anaphylaxis? The Economist Daily chart: "The Prevalence of Peanut Allergy Has Trebled in 15 Years" summarizes the trend.
Medical claims are twice as high for people who have received treatment for a peanut allergy as for those who have not, and for people with a diagnosis of peanut allergy, those claims are 10 times as high, findings from a new study show.
The Contains:Courage® FARE Summit 2019 was held Nov. 1-3 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center near Washington, D.C. This dynamic summit meeting drew over 1,000 participants. Tweens, teens and adults living with food allergy came together with family members, health professionals and other allies in the nation’s largest ever educational food allergy event for families.
Edited by Toni Taylor and Jon Terry Allergy Advocacy Association Co-Founders November 20th, 2019
Dealing with life threatening allergies by patiently, courageously putting one foot in front of the other for the long haul, eventually achieves the desired result. This year’s Food Allergy Research and Education teen conference was a great reminder of this. There were some exciting updates in the areas of product development, advocacy, and research.
This event was a timely reminder that those dealing with anaphylaxis cannot be reduced to their allergies. In addition to courageous, they are accomplished self-advocates, creative, curious, and entrepreneurial.
One and all had a fantastic time at the second annual Allergy Action Awards gala. With tables decorated with teal pumpkins, along with raffle baskets and goodie bags, we celebrated those who have gone above and beyond the call of duty to help keep our community safe. Read all about our award recipients and how proceeds from the event will help to continue our work on educating the community about what to do if someone is experiencing anaphylaxis. Looking forward to seeing you there next year!
Action Awards Gala is BOFFO!!!***
By Suzanne Driscoll October 27, 2019
The Allergy Advocacy Association Awards Gala was held at ARTISAN Works in Rochester NY on October 10th. Our audience enjoyed fabulous entertainment, food and fun!
Jamie Kosten, the 2019 Ruthie T. Cornell award winner and Dr. Jeremy Cushman, the John J. Condemi award winner
We honored Dr. Jeremy Cushman, developer of the Emergency Medical Services' Syringe Epinephrine Kit at the University of Rochester Medical Center, and Jamie Kosten who saved the life of his father, a beekeeper, from a life threatening anaphylaxis response to bee stings.
Proceeds from ticket sales will be used for training personnel at day care centers, summer camps, college campuses and other public venues on how to recognize someone having a severe allergic reaction and how to administer epinephrine.
