Welcome to the MOCHA Summer 2021 ENews!
A Message to Our MOCHA Friends:
It's Summer!
As people are getting vaccinated, the number of cases of Covid-19 are declining and life is returning to a more normal state; most of us are feeling relief. 

But for food allergic families, the vigilance that is required for a food allergic family to live in a world that is not allergen free is also returning. Perhaps in one way it was easier to have all your meals at home, not go out very often because your home is “safe”. So as we return to a more normal active and “out and about” lifestyle-- please take a few moments to revisit safe protocols with your family. 

Here are just a few reminders:

*Always carry your epinephrine auto-injector and don’t leave it in a hot car this summer. Teens can be forgetful, so it can be a good reminder to leave their epinephrine auto-injector for them to grab by the car keys or most used exit.

*Are friends and extended family members refamiliarized with how to give an epinephrine auto-injector?

*Do you have a plan and strategy to make new friends at camp and for next year’s classmates? How will you make them aware of your allergies and how they can be a food allergy friendly friend?

*Are allergens being mentioned when you finally get to go back out to eat? Are older age kids practicing ordering on their own (they will be off to college and on their own… so best to practice with Mom and Dad around)?

*Have you thought about getting and using a chef card? Customize and download a card at https://www.foodallergy.org/resources/food-allergy-chef-cards   The one we use has English on the front and Spanish on the back.

 We at MOCHA wish you a safe, happy and healthy summer!!
 Anne, Denise and the MOCHA Interns
FARE: Food Allergy Research and Education
About FARE

FARE spreads awareness about food allergies-- a public health issue that affects schools, businesses, and communities. They work hard to ensure that every dollar they raise advances the mission: improving life and health for 32 million Americans with food allergies and providing hope for the promise of new treatments.

FARE wants to hear from you! Share Your Thoughts On The Upcoming School Year

As we wrap up a less-than-typical school year, we are already looking ahead to next year. The 2021-22 school year will be back to in-person learning for most, which means extra planning and preparation for food allergy families. We’d love to hear from parents and students on what you are excited or concerned about to help us best support you in the upcoming school year.
Join FARE’s Next Child Chat or Teen Talk

Looking to make friends with food allergies? Check out FARE's new Child Chats (ages 8-10), Teen Talks (ages 11+), and College Chats (18+) for youth with food allergies from all across the country! These monthly programs will vary in content but will always be interactive, social, and fun! They will be facilitated by Melissa Engel, MA, a Clinical Psychology PhD student who lives with severe food allergies. Questions? E-mail Melissa at [email protected]. Hope to see you there!
MOCHA Talk:
Grab a cup of coffee, tea, or hot cocoa and join us for the first few episodes of "MOCHA Talk", a new series from FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education)!

In this series, you'll hear from four incredible food allergy guests (including Denise Bunning, founder of MOCHA!) as they discuss monthly allergy topics.
Crying Over Spilled Milk: Life with food allergies and the ripple effects you want to know
Check out this new book by Lauren Soltwisch on living with food allergies and experiences that come with it.
FARE's "Your Guide to Food Allergy"
Is a new video highlight key information for newly diagnosed.

New to Food Allergy? Check FARE's Updated Guide


Newly diagnosed individuals need information on everything from epinephrine to how to read a food label. With the support of DBV Technologies, FARE has created new online and print resources, including a refreshed, updated "Your Guide to Food Allergy" booklet. We'll be sending 30,000 copies to healthcare professionals across the country. Visit our New to Food Allergy information hub to find the guide, an easy-to-follow video and more. We thank DBV Technologies for helping us educate the food allergy community!
FARE Patient Registry Data Sheds Light on Prevention and Management of Food Allergy Reactions in Restaurants

A recent research paper based on data from the FARE Patient Registry reveals that food allergy reactions in restaurants are common and that restaurant training and patient education are needed to reduce the odds of a reaction while dining out and improve preparedness to treat reactions. Published in the Journal of Clinical Immunology: In Practice, the study examined survey responses from 1248 adults with food allergy (mostly women) and from the parents of 1579 food-allergic children in the U.S.
Recognizing and Responding to Anaphylaxis
Free online training course.
Epinephrine Options
Learn about epinephrine options currently available on the market.
Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan
FARE's Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Emergency Care Plan has been updated to include SYMJEPI.
FARE Boards
FARE is governed by an operating board known as the Board of Directors. FARE introduced two non-voting boards, the Board of Governors and the Board of National Ambassadors, to better position FARE to rapidly respond to the evolving landscape of food allergy and support the organization's growth.

For more board information, contact Michael Trager at [email protected].
Research, Newsletters and Blogs

NIH Launches Study of Allergic Reactions to COVID-19 Vaccines

Researchers are enrolling participants in a study to determine whether people with severe allergies or a mast cell disorder are at higher risk of allergic reactions to the COVID-19 mRNA vaccines than those without allergies.
New School Guidelines: How They Impact 504 Plans for Food Allergies

The 504 plan, named for Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, ensures equal access to education in publicly funded schools. To qualify for a plan, a student must meet the definition of having a disability under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). With food allergy, this is often granted because the condition can affect life activities such as eating and breathing.
All About Epinephrine: What It Does in a Reaction, How Long It Lasts, When It Gets Hot or Cold

Gina Clowes, a nationally known food allergy educator and parenting coach and consultant at AllergyMoms.com, shares a go-to epinephrine resource with answers to all the vital questions parents have about epinephrine.
The Hunt for Dandelion Cupcakes

A story about baking and finding delicious dandelions to add to favorite recipes.
A MOTHER & SON’S JOURNEY THROUGH EOSINOPHILIC ESOPHAGITIS (EOE)

Next month it will be officially five years since my son was diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis (also known as EOE, previously known as EE). We’ve tried lots of things and settled into our rare disease life. Because of the publicity of this blog, I often receive lots of questions about how we’ve handled it, and so I thought it’d be helpful to share what we’ve done and learned along the way, in one easy-to-find article.
Heroes Bring Hope Challenge

Participate in APFED's Heroes Bring HOPE Challenge and help us raise $100,000 this year to fund a new research study!

Ways to Help Us Reach Our Goal
  • Make a donation to APFED. If your employer offers a matching gifts program, take advantage of it!
  • Set up a virtual fundraiser on your social media account (e.g., Facebook) to benefit APFED and ask your friends to support our cause.
  • Organize a 10% day at a local business and donate proceeds to APFED.
  • Team up with direct sale businesses (e.g., Mary Kay, Pampered Chef, etc.) and donate a percentage of your party sales to APFED’s Heroes Bring HOPE Challenge.
What People With Asthma Need to Know About Face Masks During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Face masks are an essential tool in our fight against COVID-19 (the coronavirus). But wearing a face mask raises many questions for people with asthma.
Allergy Force Newsletter

When we come together as community, there's no limit to what we can accomplish. Together. May—awareness month for food allergy, asthma and celiac disease—has been non-stop 'best of' in education, advocacy, honoring loved ones, building & bridge lightings, and product showcasing. Sharing some 'best of' that will lift you up while you learn.
Ongoing Challenges in EoE

A recent review highlights work from the Cincinnati Center for Eosinophilic Disorders, the Consortium of Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disease Researchers, and others that address ongoing challenges in addressing disease burden and impairment in the growing population with EoE. It summarizes EoE advances in disease management and newly defined EoE endotypes that may serve as the foundation for EoE-personalized medicine.

Vaccine Anaphylaxis

Kimberly Risma, MD, PhD, director of the Drug Allergy Program of Cincinnati Children’s, published about the potential mechanisms of anaphylaxis to COVID-19 mRNA vaccines.
Food Allergy Research and the Future of Innovation Solutions

Amal H. Assa'ad, MD, leader of the Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) Biobank and director of the Food Allergy Program at Cincinnati Children’s, and Jonathan Spergel, MD, PhD, leader of the FARE Data Coordination Center and chief of the Allergy Program at Children’s Hospital Philadelphia, gave a talk “Food Allergy Research and the Future of Innovation Solutions” about oral food challenges in partnership with FARE and the Health + Wealth of America 
New FAACT College Resource Center
In honor of Food Allergy Awareness Month, FAACT is launching our new College Resource Center - a comprehensive toolkit covering the phases of starting college, a trade school, or a career direct from high school as a young adult living with food allergies.
New Law Protects More than 1.5 Million Americans Allergic to Sesame
OnApril 23, President Biden signed into law the Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research (FASTER) Act, which expands the definition of "major allergens" to include sesame.
Innovators Research Grant

Food allergy fund announced their most recent grant recipients - Drs. Eisenbarth and Williams at Yale whose project will investigate the role of gut barrier integrity in determining the risk of anaphylaxis. The team aims to discover molecular mechanisms regulating food allergen transport which will significantly increase our understanding of how food allergens are transported from the intestinal lumen.
How Food Allergies Make Us Stronger

An article written by Pranav, one of the MOCHA Interns!
Food Allergy Moms
Have a kid with food allergies? Live in Chicago? Want some friends who Get it?

If you are looking to find more friends who really get it, go to their website and message Melissa to get involved.
Food Equality Initiative
Food Equality Initiative is a nonprofit organization that relies on generous partners to meet their mission of improving health and ending hunger in individuals who must eliminate common foods from their diet to maintain health. 


Food Sitch
Noreen Okarter is the founder of Food Sitch, a food allergy coaching company that provides food allergy lifestyle and education services for individuals and groups. (The “sitch” is short for situation). Food Sitch offers coaching on how to manage food allergies safely, make key behavioral shifts for excellent nutrition and physical health and how to have a positive mindset to overcome the challenges that food allergies can bring. Noreen is a life coach, certified health and wellness coach and has had multiple life-threatening food allergies since babyhood. She is also the host of the Food Sitch podcast where she speaks and interviews notable people about the food allergy experience. Find their podcasts:
 
Hillary Tolle Carter: Food Allergy Mama and Advocate
Hillary was thrilled to launch her new series with FARE, TAKE ACTION! with Hillary Carter, in January. This show brings people from all walks of life to the table to talk about how food allergies have impacted their lives and how they're taking action to make the community a better place.  

In Season 1, Hillary interviewed Thomas Silvera of Elijah’s Echo, Megan Lavin of Allergy Awesomeness, Indrani Maitra of Allergy Friendly Choices, Heather Gass of Food Allergy Advocate, and Lizzie Reynolds of Pixie Lizzie: Magical Food Allergy Travel Agent. All five episodes are available to watch on YouTube’s Living Teal Channel, FARE’s website, and Hillary’s website.  

Check out the backstory on TAKE ACTION!, as well as Hillary’s 2020: Reflections and Takeaway’s on her blog.  
You can follow her food allergy journey @hillarytollecarter on Instagram.
Journal of Food Allergy

This is an online journal which has the purpose of all things food allergy news.
Kyah Rayne Foundation

Kyah’s EPICourse is now available directly through our site. By completing Kyah’s EPICourse (see Trainings), a free online epinephrine training program, schools will receive certification and stock orders for Epinephrine Auto Injector (EAI’s) for their campuses. Our 9 member University of Arizona Public Health Internship Team, will be assisting ALL Arizona public, private and charter schools enroll in this important and improved School Surveillance Medication Program (SSMP). Our Arizona initiative will be a template for a national SSMP campaign.
 
There is so much more work to be done. We are currently working with Department of Health Pharmacies on a School Discount EAI Program. Our new fundraising efforts will bring this life saving medication to schools and will save lives! 
Latitude Food Allergy Care

Latitude is now featuring resources on symptoms, testing, ingredients to look for, and treatment options for each of the most common food allergies on their website. Look for resource pages on milk, egg, peanut, wheat, shellfish allergy and more to help answer many of the most pressing food allergy questions. 

Monthly Webinars
The Mary H. Weiser Food Allergy Center also publishes monthly webinars. In the most recent one, hear advice from veteran food allergy parents and their experience raising kids with life-threatening food allergies.
Feed Your Can
A resource for life hacks and mind snacks for thriving with food allergies daily. Their goal is to raise our kids to live thoughtfully, not fearfully. Optimal living involves having healthy mindsets to recognize possibilities and build resilience over fear.
Sarah Ackerman: Girl Behind the Hive
In her latest adventure, Sarah and her sister have partnered with FARE to create a web show called “Piece of Cake”. In it they bake allergy friendly treats and share recipes!
Sloane Miller's Improv Workshops for Kids in High School With Food Allergies
If you know of/have teens (9th through 12th grades) within your support group community, please consider sharing the link below with more info on how to sign up.
Start date; Tuesday June 22, 2021, 6:30pm - 8:00 pm EST.
Sean N. Parker Center for Food Allergy & Asthma Research Newsletter
A leader in the biomedical revolution, Stanford Medicine has a long tradition of leadership in pioneering research, creative teaching protocols and effective clinical therapies.
Food Allergy Friendly Companies, Apps, Books and Videos
Blake's Seed Based
Blake’s Seed Based is committed to creating snacks that have all of the taste and none of the allergens. Check out their s'mores snack bar -- it is truly incredible!
Special thanks to Riya Jain for creating our Summer MOCHA ENEWS graphic!
Overnight Camp

Camp Blue Spruce is dedicated to providing an authentic and fun overnight camp experience for children with food allergies. Camp Blue Spruce campers leave feeling more confident and independent. Many become more accepting of their food allergies, and they all realize they are not alone. Camp is open to children ages 9 – 17 with food allergies, celiac disease, and other related conditions. Registration closes July 1st!
Eat Right
The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics is your source for science-based food and nutrition information.
Hungry Harry's
A company forever free of the top 14 allergens! Hungry Harry's creates baking mixes that are made in a dedicated facility without cross contact and free from the top 14 allergens!
Kyle Dine
Kyle Dine performs food allergy awareness assemblies for elementary schools across North America. His brand of fun and educational performances uses music, puppets and games to engage audiences with age-appropriate content. He has released two CDs and an educational DVD which was funded through Kickstarter. He is a keynote speaker and is the founder & CEO of www.allergytranslation.com.
Mighty Jax Book
Mighty Jax is the book and doll set which is the first superhero doll and book set geared towards kids with food allergies! Might Jax has a mission, to teach kids how to become inspired, empowered and educated about food allergies. For free shipping, use the promo code "MOCHA"!
Mission MightyMe
New guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics and the NIH recommend early introduction of baby-friendly peanut foods to help prevent peanut allergies from developing. These proactive peanut puffs are a deliciously simple way to include peanuts in your little one's diet. They even created a brand new multi-nut puff that contains both peanuts and tree nuts!
Not Today, Butterflies! A Book About Food Allergy Anxiety by Nicole Ondatje

Living with a food allergy is challenging! Nine-year-old Quinn experiences several anxiety-provoking food allergy scenarios including her annual visit to the allergist, navigating a play date and a birthday party, being different from her friends and having to speak up about her food allergies. These experiences generate uncomfortable feelings of butterflies in Quinn's stomach. Quinn learns different tools to help manage her anxiety and tame the butterflies. Not Today, Butterflies! A Book About Food Allergy Anxiety provides an engaging and relatable experience for children who are coping with fears and anxiety about their own food allergies. Intended for children ages 4-8 as well as parents and caregivers, this book offers some guidance on identifying signs of food allergy anxiety and helpful ways to teach kids how to manage it. The book will be featured on FARE’s blog and on Allergic Child soon! It is currently available for purchase on Amazon.
Unlocking the Secrets of EoE
Unlocking the Secrets of Eosinophilic Esophagitis is a new children's book authored by student and faculty fellows at PA Distance Learning charter school. It follows John who lives with EoE, Kaitlyn and Andrew, who meet with classmates and experts like Dr. Marc Rothenberg to have a brave adventure on the secrets of EoE. All proceeds go toward Cincinnati Children's Hospital and the continuing efforts of Dr. Rothenberg to seek a cure for EoE.
"This is What I Know"
"How to Stay Alive"
"Eliminando el miedo a la epinefrina y combatiendo la anafilaxia"
Susan Tatelli is an 18-year-old who participated in an oral-immunotherapy clinical trial for her peanut allergy. Because of her participation in the clinical trial, she had many epinephrine requiring anaphylactic reactions. She created these videos and her bilingual Epinephrine Readiness Training Kit to take the fear out of epinephrine and anaphylaxis.
Free from the top 8 allergens and 100% plant based!
SEPARATE, SANITIZE, TEST
OWYN’s contract manufacturer’s facility tests for the presence of Top 8 allergens that may have been processed in a preceding production run.
Partake Foods
Finally there's a delicious treat that everyone can partake in enjoying! Check out the various cookies and baking mixes that are all top 8 allergen free.

Proud Puffs
This Black-Owned Breakfast Food Company Is Making ‘Cereal For The Culture'
Get ready for Proud Puffs, a chocolate-flavored, vegan cereal formed in the shape of a Black fist. Founder Nic King was also very intentional about the type of cereal he wanted to put into the world. He says, “My goal with this cereal is to uplift the Black and brown community. I needed to make sure I was putting something healthy and that had nutritional value back inside my community. I didn’t want to push another sugary cereal".


New at Safe + Fair
Summer is (finally!) heating up, and there's no better way to cool off than opening a bag of delicious, limited-edition Key Lime Pie Granola! It's tangy, it's refreshinng, and guilt free.
#SnackSafelyAtHome
Find snack safe guides for all your individual needs! Snack Safely compiles lists of options for tree nut, milk, sesame, and gluten free editions!
Food Allergy Restaurant Owners!
A next level food allergy find: restaurants with owners who personally manage food allergies! Our guide features restaurants covering 18 states and 3 countries with reviews noting this first-hand owner knowledge shared on the Spokin App. If you’ve been to a restaurant where the owner has a personal connection to food allergies, please share this rare air find in your review on the Spokin App!
Top Rated Food Allergy Bloggers
We’re sending some special teal love and sharing some of our favorite Food Allergy Recipe Bloggers during Food Allergy Awareness Week! See the favorite recipes of 40 bloggers, from eggless cheesecake to a dairy-free version of the famous Levain Chocolate Chip Cookie. Learn about the bloggers who personally manage food allergies and which allergens their recipes are always free of. Explore recipes on the Spokin App to filter by allergies, categories, and bloggers!
VUCA Health

VUCA Health has created the largest library of medication education videos. Their video library is designed for patients, by pharmacists. It contains over 1000 medication, condition and administration videos. Their videos can be integrated into websites, mobile apps, smart speakers, and pharmacy management systems. VUCA Health is bringing vision, understanding, clarity and action to the health industry today.
When Every Bite Matters Book
A book written by teen Oliver Deldicque about his life with allergies. His goal is to make this book available in doctors' offices for patients with food allergies. It is a great book to read if you have allergies or you have a friend or family member with a food allergy. The goal is to help with managing food allergies!
Whole & Free Foods
Every Body Eat® exists to bring people together over a shared love of delicious food, regardless of dietary restrictions or preferences.
Without a Trace Foods
New allergen friendly snack company in the market, Without A Trace Foods. All snacks are free of the Big 8 allergens and sesame. Gluten-free and plant based. Each product is produced and packaged in their dedicated allergen friendly facility and shipped right to your home. They are offering our group 20% off. Go to their website and use the code THXMOCHA21. And follow them on Instagram @withoutatracefoods.
Zippy: Children's Book
Dr. Sakina Shikari Bajowala and Suzy Bauer wrote this cute book: "Zippy: A Story About Oral Immunotherapy(OIT) for food allergies, check it out!
Chicagoland Information
Northwestern Medicine offers Board-Certified Allergy and Immunology physicians seeing patients at two locations in the northern suburbs, bringing allergy specialty care closer to home.
Dr. Cheryl Steiman

Dr. Cheryl Steiman sees patients in Glenview, IL, and treats both pediatric and adult patients for allergies, including environmental (pollens, mold, pet dander, and dust), foods, drugs, and stinging insects. She has a special interest in treating patients with asthma, reoccurring hives, and chronic nasal and sinus symptoms. She crafts personalized treatment plans for every patient based on individual values and needs and offers medication management with allergy shots and biologic treatments. View a video of Dr. Steiman and request an appointment: Cheryl A. Steiman, MD | Northwestern Medicine  Dr. Steiman’s office number: 847-535-7647.
If you would like to receive a copy of Dr. Steiman’s PowerPoint please email request [email protected].
Dr. Deeba Masood

Dr. Deeba Masood studied Integrative Medicine. In an effort to provide superior patient care, she incorporates holisitic methodologies into her allopathic medical practice. She is a certified Integrative Medical Practitioner by the American Academy of Integrative Medicine. Dr. Masood sees patients in Vernon Hills, IL, and treats all types of allergies and immune deficiency disorders, including food allergies, for pediatric, adult and geriatric patients. View a video of Dr. Masood and request an appointment: Deeba Masood, MD | Northwestern Medicine
Dr. Amy Thomas

Dr. Amy Thomas sees patients in Gurnee, IL, and treats both pediatric and adult patients for allergic
rhinitis, asthma, food and drug allergy, recurrent infections as well as chronic hives and swelling. She has a special interest in treating patients with severe asthma and chronic sinus disease. Her practice philosophy is rooted in her belief that good communication is the key to quality healthcare. She wants her patients to understand both their allergic and immunologic conditions as well as treatment options, so that together they can discuss and develop a plan that best meets their healthcare needs. To request an appointment: Dr. Thomas’s office number:
224-271-3200.
Center for Food Allergy and Asthma Research

Previously SOAAR, the Center for Food Allergy and Asthma Research (CFAAR) is at the frontlines of groundbreaking research and provides education resources to the allergy community. The latest of their monthly newsletters focuses on COVID-19, new members and new research news!
New Center for Food Allergy and Asthma Research Established
Scientists from Northwestern and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago have been at the forefront of research, care and advocacy to improve these childhood and adult allergic diseases for years. Now, Northwestern has established the new Center for Food Allergy and Asthma Research, which will provide both investigators and patients more support while uncovering new discoveries from applied and basic science research.

On the CFAAR website, there is a video library of helpful informational videos pertaining to food allergies and asthma. Some videos include: Teens Talk Food Allergies, The Asthma Story, START PSA.
CFAAR is launching a brand new webinar series! Allergy Insights 360 is a discussion series exploring life with food allergies and asthma from different perspectives, helping families to learn and live life with confidence. In their first discussion, they focus on navigating "The Aftermath of Anaphylaxis." The goal is to share insights on anaphylaxis and its potential impact post-reaction on the mental and emotional well-being of people with food allergies and their families by presenting CFAAR research and lived experience of those impacted by food allergy.
Allergy Education Videos:
The Center for Food Allergy and Asthma Research (CFAAR) offers a friendly way to start the food allergy conversation with family and friends at home or at school. The goal of these videos is to address the food allergy needs of the Early Childhood Population. These videos were created for parents, caregivers, children (under the age of 6) and early childhood professionals.
Join CFAAR's Community Advisory Board!
In collaboration with Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital and Northwestern University, CFAAR is excited to ounce the launch of the new Community Advisory Board at the Center for Food Allergy and Asthma Research (CFAAR). CFAAR is currently seeking food allergy, asthma and other food related diseases parents/families or community members interested in joining the mission.

Take a look at the link to learn more!
CFAAR Community Resources
Dr. Ruchi Gupta and her team have developed peer-to-peer food allergy educational videos that can be shown in classrooms! In the link, there is a video library containing many educational videos. Additionally, there are pdfs for Food Allergy Workbook and Passport, which help children become better aware of their allergies.
The Food Allergy Experience
Written by Dr. Ruchi Gupta and Denise Bunning, The Food Allergy Experience provides a reliable source of information and advice in simple, easy-to-read terms. For those contending with food allergies, the book offers guidance and invaluable perspective. For friends, relatives, health care providers, teachers, and caregivers, the book will instill a better understanding of how food allergies impact life at home, at school, and in the community, helping them to more effectively assist children with food allergies. 
Research Project: College & Food Allergies

Do you know a college-aged student? We need your help!

The CFAAR research team is working on a project to learn more about the needs of college students with food allergies nationwide. We are looking for college students (with or without food allergies) and recent college graduates to complete an anonymous survey that will only take about 5-15 minutes to complete.
This survey will help researchers help identify areas which need improvement on college campuses so they can better support students with food allergy.
*for freshmen, select "other" as year

Please help spread the word and share the link!
https://is.gd/CollegeFASurvey
New OIT Unit
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago is announcing the opening of a new state-of-the-art Oral Immunotherapy (OIT) unit. Now the Palforzia oral immunotherapy in this new unit for children ages 4-17 who have peanut allergy. If you are interested in Palforzia treatment please call their office at 312-227-6010.
New Study: Use of Soy Isoflavones in Precision Medicine to Prevent Wheezing and Asthma
Dr. Raj Kumar and Dr. Jacqueline Pongracic received a $3 million NIH CAUSE (Childhood Asthma in Urban Settings) Grant.
Lurie Nutritionist
Linda Somers at Lurie is recommended by a MOCHA member. She has many years of experience with feeding issues. You can call 1800-KIDSDOC to make an appointment with her.
Dr. Sai Nimmagadda
Dr. Nimmagadda is now available to see patients at Lurie Children’s new Outpatient Center in Skokie on Tuesdays. He has over 20 years of experience caring for patients in the Chicagoland area. His interests include management of food allergies, early interventions strategies for food allergy prevention, and difficult to control asthma and allergic rhinitis.
Sign Up for Virtual FASE Hangouts
Sign up for FASE (Food Allergy Support and Education) Program Events!

  • Link Goes Live for Signups On June 14th
  • Kids with Food Allergy Hangout July 19th
  • LURIE Webinar August 9th
SEAL Study
UChicago has teamed up with Stanford, National Jewish, and King’s College London on an NIH sponsored project to titled SEAL study (Stopping Atopic dermatitis and Allergy) by enhancing the skin barrier in infants. Recruitment is expected to begin later this spring. 
 
Also, if anyone is interested in being contacted about clinical trials as they open, please join the UChicago research registry from our home page.
Research Studies

The Section of Allergy/Immunology and Pulmonology is currently recruiting children ages 6 to 17 to participate in a research study to better understand asthma. Both children with asthma and children with healthy lungs are needed for this study. Participants will be provided with a parking voucher and a gift card as compensation for their time. If you are interested, please email Matt at [email protected]

Interested in finding out more about asthma and allergy related clinical trials? Join the UChicago research registry to be notified when new trials are open.
 
Considering oral immunotherapy for food allergy? Call 773-702-6169 and set up a telemedicine or in person consultation with one of the UChicago allergy providers to find out if this therapy may be an option for you.

UChicago Telemedicine
UChicago Medicine is now offering telemedicine visits for both new patients and follow-up patients. Telemedicine offers the convenience of consulting with a food allergy specialist from the comfort of your own home. Interested in hearing about current research or oral immunotherapy? Telemedicine may be the perfect way for you and your family to find out more, call (733)-702-1000 for the general number.
Amen Clinic
Dr. Morcott is board certified in both Adult Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, with over twenty years of experience in the settings of academia, private practice and one of the largest behavioral health departments in the country. She also holds a fellowship in Integrative Medicine through the University of Arizona and is a certified instructor in Pilates and yoga.Dr. Rhian Morcott is also a food allergy mom!
Jennifer Solomon
Food allergies and mental health: It’s a family thing. Too often short shrift is given to how food allergies affects a child’s – and a family’s – mental health. Seeking therapy can help ease the anxiety and find a healthy balance that works for everyone in the family. Often times, therapists don’t understand food allergy. And parents are tired of educating
therapists about what it all means, including OIT treatment. As a family therapist, I help families navigate food allergies wherever they are in the journey. I’m thrilled to be working with children, adults, parents or the whole family on how to make food allergies more manageable.

Jennifer Solomon
224.707.1704
www.affiliatesincounseling.net
Food Allergy Anxiety - When to See a Therapist?
"When your food allergy anxiety interferes with the person you want to be and the way you want to live your life, it becomes a problem."

Paige L. Freeman, PhD, PLLC, is a psychologist that has navigated her child's food allergy for the last 14 years. She provides telehealth services in 16 states to support others managing food allergies.
Tamara is a family therapy-trained Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) offering support for women/moms, young adults and those navigating life transitions. She specialized in helping those managing food allergies navigating the emotional/social aspects, especially parents/caregivers. Tamara created the Food Allergy Counselor website, the Food Allergy Counselor Directory and the food allergy mental health resource page to fill an unmet need within the food allergy community. Tamara is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, with a Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy for Adler School of Professional Psychology.
 
Check out the latest therapeutic food allergy anxiety worksheet created by licensed therapist, Tamara Hubbard, LCPC. This 3-page worksheet helps older kids, teens and even adults notice, name and navigate their food allergy-related worries. The following worksheets have beeen added:


 
Also, be sure to check out all of the food allergy mental health resources on the Food Allergy Counselor website, including the Food Allergy Counselor Directory, which provides a state-by-state listing of allergy-informed therapists, and the Exploring Food Allergy Families podcast. Latest podcast episodes explore tips for managing oral food challenge anxiety, what allergists want you to talk with them about, and food allergy parenting perspectives from moms versus dads. Listen and subscribe to the podcast via your favorite podcast app, or on the Food Allergy Counselor website's podcast page.  


And if you're an IL adult or caregiver looking for support related to managing food allergies, Tamara Hubbard, LCPC offers allergy-informed counseling services, currently via telehealth. Learn more about Tamara Hubbard, LCPC at: www.TamaraHubbardLCPC.com
Intern Intersection
Intern Intersection was created by Julia Auerbach, Ryan Smith, Susan Tatelli, Pranav Bajaj, and John Kosner.
Susan Tatelli
  • College Sophomore (18 years old)
  • University and Major: College of William & Mary, Education and Hispanic Studies
  • Allergic to peanuts, hazelnuts, soy

You can connect with me on Spokin @susan_tatelli or email at [email protected]
For the Summer:
This summer I will be coaching skating lessons, exploring new recipes, and catching some sun!

Fall Semester:
Next semester I will be back at William & Mary for my Sophomore year!

What I've been enjoying:
I've recently been getting into cooking and baking. I have also really enjoyed going on walks and reading outside.
Julia Auerbach
  • High School Senior (18 years old)
  • Francis W. Parker High School
  • Celiac Disease

You can connect with me on email at [email protected]
For the Summer:
This summer I am going to be working with CFAAR, babysitting, playing tennis, and hanging out with my friends!

Fall Semester:
I am beyond excited to be attending Northwestern University in the Fall. I am looking forward to beginning college and living on campus!

What I've Been Enjoying:
Besides schoolwork, I have also been keeping busy playing tennis, taking walks, and spending lots of time with my friends before we all leave for college!
Pranav Bajaj
  • College Sophomore (19 years old)
  • University and Major: Northwestern University, Pre-med and Economics
  • Multiple food allergies

You can connect with me on email at [email protected]
For the summer:
I will be working with CFAAR again this summer and will continue my college project! The goal of this work is to improve the quality fo life for college students with food allergies.

Fall Semester:
I will be staying on campus for next fall! Really looking forward to college in hopefully more normal times. I'm also excited to start taking some data science courses for fun. It seems really interesting and I would like to learn how to code.

What I've Been Enjoying:
The weather is awesome right now! I have been playing a ton of tennis outside, and over this summer, I would like to get more into golf. Overall, I just want to spend more time outdoors, whether that be through sports or nature.
Ryan Smith
  • High School Senior (18 years old)
  • Glenbrook North High School
  • Allergic to tree nuts

You can connect with me on email at [email protected]
For the Summer: I am looking forward to spending time with friends and family and going on a few trips! I am continuing to work at an allergist office. I also started an allergy-friendly baking business with my friend! @sweetsbyRL

Fall Semester:
I'm so excited to be attending Washington University in St.Louis next year as a global health major. I can't wait to be on campus!

What I've Been Enjoying:
I have been taking advantage of the sunshine and warm weather. I have also been having a great time with all of my senior year festivities like prom and graduation!
John Kosner
  • College Senior (21 years old)
  • University and Major: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Molecular and Cellular Biology
  • Allergic to milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, sesame

You can contact with me on Spokin: johnkoz92 or email [email protected]
For the Summer:
This summer I'll be studying for the MCAT and volunteering at Avicenna community health center. I'm of course excited to continue interning for MOCHA. Hopefully with any extra free time finish up a couple of writing projects.

Fall Semester:
I'm headed back to U of I for the fall and all my courses are in person! I'm looking forward to getting back into the swing of things.

What I've Been Enjoying:
I've been really enjoying Oliver Sack's books recently.The new Bo Burnham comedy special was great. I just watched the movie Awakenings with Robin Williams and Robert De Niro and it's now one of my favorite movies of all time.
MOCHA Cares
We've created MOCHA Cares to be a refreshing section of positivity. We hope that at least one of these resources can inspire you to find peace, be inspired, or try something new!
Be Inspired- Suggested by MOCHA Interns:
Nothing screams summer more than fresh fruit- now you can try fruit flavor inspired popcorn. Lesser Evil just released three new summer flavors: pink grapefruit, lemonade, and watermelon hibiscus. It sounds like a weird combination but it's addicting!
These new pop-it fidgets are all the craze and are a great summer gift for kids or ven adults!Buy Here on Amazon
With summer coming along many of us will be spending a lot of time outside. Check out this link to find the hammock for you!

Kraft recently launched a new gluten-free Macaroni and Cheese and it is DELICIOUS !
The Waa-Mu Show celebrates 90 years. From the Northwestern Wirtz Center, The Secret of Camp Elliot is being put on virtually via vimeo! Click here for tickets.
I am in love with these edible raw cookie dough from Better Bites! They have amazing cookie dough bite flavors including snickerdoodle, birthday cake, sun-nut butter and more. Also be sure to try their mini cupcakes!
New to MOCHA?
Want to be part of our next ENews?
We're a One-Stop Shop for All Things Allergies!
We've compiled research, articles, educational resources, and more. If you're new to the food allergy community, visit our What Do I Do Now? page. Looking for helpful links? Check out our Resources page. Be sure to sign up for our ENews!
Suggestions?
Do you have a suggestion about content we should add to our ENews or Website? Please let us know! Connect with us on facebook @MOCHAallergies
Non-Allergic Food for Thought:

The world is not free of Milk, Egg, Tree Nut, Shellfish,
Peanut, Fish, Soy, Wheat, Seeds.
It is our job as parents to give our children the
Education,
Encouragement,
Experience and
Enthusiasm
To get out there and live their lives to the fullest - safely.
MOCHA is a group of parents sharing information and supporting each other. MOCHA offers support, education, and friendship, to help make managing your child’s food allergies just a little bit easier. Check out our website for the most current news and resources. Click the sign up link above to be added to our email distribution!
Disclaimer: M.O.C.H.A. is not a professional or medical organization. It is a group of parents sharing information and supporting each other. The discussions, meeting minutes, handouts, speakers, agendas, and other products of our support group do not constitute medical and/or legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Always discuss individual health questions and medical issues with a qualified personal physician.