Welcome to the MOCHA Winter 2020 ENews!
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 15 million Americans with food allergies and providing hope for the promise of new treatments.
FARE's West Coast Corporate Think Tank
Los Angles, California
Thursday, February 25, 2020
Honor Your Doctor - California
Atherton, California
Thursday, February 27, 2020
FARE is thrilled to honor one of the nation’s foremost experts in adult and pediatric allergy and asthma, Kari Nadeau, MD, PhD. Dr. Nadeau is the Director of the Sean N. Parker Center for Allergy and Asthma Research at Stanford University, Section Chief of Allergy and Asthma at the Stanford School of Medicine, and an endowed professor under the Naddisy Family Foundation. 
Courage at Congress: FARE's Advocacy Day to Fight Food Allergies
Washington, D.C.
Monday, March 2 - Wednesday, March 4, 2020
If you’re interested in attending the advocacy event in Washington, D.C., this March, follow the link to sign up. Space is limited!
You can also helping locally by scheduling a meeting with your local legislator to encourage them to become FASTER Act co-sponsors. If you're interested in learning more or attending a local meeting, click the link below!
FARE's East Coast Corporate Think Tank
New York, NY
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
FARE's New York Research Symposium
New York, NY
Tuesday, May 13, 2020
FARE's Chicago Research Symposium(Chicago, IL)
Chicago, IL
Thursday, May 28, 2020
FARE's Research Retreat
Chicago, IL
Friday, May 29, 2020
FARE Contains: Courage Summit 2020
Orlando, Florida
Friday, October 2, 2020 - Sunday, October 4, 2020
Join us Oct. 2-4, 2020, for the FARE Contains: Courage® Summit as we bring together teens and adults living with food allergy along with family members, health professionals, and others, for a weekend of community and support. Registration is opening soon so keep posted!
FARE Boards
FARE is governed by a nine-member operating board known as the Board of Directors. FARE recently 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].
Make an Impact!
Share a unique gift with the food allergy community by becoming the 10,000th member of the FARE Patient Registry. The FARE Patient Registry connects people living with food allergies to researchers searching for answers. By sharing your story through the Registry's secure platform- you can help researchers find hidden patterns and make new discoveries.
FARE Collaborator Program: Join FARE in making a difference!
The Collaborator Program is open to nonprofits, educational institutions, government agencies, and associations representing professionals from the health, education, human services, and food and beverage fields. 

Learn the benefits of becoming a FARE Collaborator and help make a difference in the lives of over 30 million Americans.
Free Training from FARE:
Why We Need The FASTER Act
The FASTER Act mandates the collection of patient data to help food allergy researchers. It also updates labeling requirements to accommodate new allergens, including sesame. You can help keep our list of supporters growing! Contact your member of Congress and urge them to co-sponsor this game-changing bill.
NFL Player Dennis Kelly Supports FARE with My Cause, My Cleats
Each December, National Football League players can partner with an organization or cause of their choice to help raise money and increase support as part of the My Cause, My Cleats campaign. This year, Tennessee Titans offensive tackle Dennis Kelly, number 71, brought national attention to food allergies with his custom FARE teal cleats. 
Upcoming Events
Update on Pulmonary Diseases Winter Symposium 2020
Randolph, New Jersey
Thursday, February 13, 2020
This program aims to help healthcare professionals better address respiratory health in their patients. Respiratory therapists and nurses can receive continuing eduction (CE) credits as a part of attending the Symposium. Early bird registration is open through January 13th!
Food Biology in Health and Disease
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Friday, April 17, 2020
The third annual symposium of the Food Allergy Science Initiative at the Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard will convene leading experts from diverse scientific backgrounds to focus on the novel field of food-host interactions.
University of Michigan Food Allergy Researcher Symposium
Ann Arbor, Michigan
Thursday, June 11 and Friday, June 12, 2020
Food allergy thought leaders from around the world will convene on the University of Michigan campus in June at an inaugural conference. The two-day symposium will feature an array of distinguished speakers and panelists to explore and discuss the latest in food allergy discovery and research.
Camp TAG (The Allergy Gang)
Locations in Ohio, Tennessee, Colorado, and New York
5 Day Sessions from June to July
Camp TAG provides a safe place for children (ages 4-13) with food allergies, eosinophilic disorders, and asthma and their non-allergic siblings to have fun – with no worries about allergic reactions – and meet other children who share similar experiences. Teens with food allergies and teen siblings, ages 14+, can apply to serve as volunteer teen counselors – and receive community service hours for their time during the week. It is a bonding and empowering week for all campers and counselors, including parents. Registration is now open!
Camp Blue Spruce
Falls City, Oregon
August 16 - August 22, 2020
Camp Blue Spruce is a worry free camp for kids with food allergies! It is organized by a highly qualified team of medical advisors, parents of children with food allergies, cooks and nutritionists, camp professionals and communications professionals. They work all year to ensure that their campers are safe in every aspect of camp life!
FAACT's Leadership Summit 2020
Oak Brook, IL
Wednesday, September 23 - Friday, September 24, 2020
This is a complimentary, two-day event dedicated to building collaborative communities that share a passion for raising awareness and preparedness of people with life-threatening allergies for FAACT-recognized support group leaders, parent advocates, and school nurses. Registration opens in February!
Articles, Research, and Newsletters
Advance for EoE in the Rothenberg Lab
A recent study by Shoda et al. in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology represents a push forward in new platforms, namely tissue and blood, for diagnosis of one of the more rare eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders, eosinophilic gastritis (EG). The investigators uncovered associations between specific gastric molecular profiles and histologic and endoscopic features, providing insight and tools for this emerging rare disease. This study was done in collaboration with the Consortium for Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disease Researchers (CEGIR).
Dr. Rothenberg leads within and outside of Cincinnati Children’s. He has greatly furthered the field of allergy and immunology, as evidenced by his extensive publications (over 400) and receipt of an NIH MERIT Award in recognition and support of his research. Rothenberg is the principal investigator of the Consortium of Eosinophilic Gastrointestinal Disease Researchers (CEGIR) and is the director of Cincinnati Children’s  Division of Allergy and Immunology  and the Cincinnati Center for Eosinophilic Disorders (CCED).
CURED
Watch the documentary video that summarizes the impact of the 5th CURED EGID Research Conference and Patient Education Program!
Latitude Food Allergy Care
Redwood City, California
This clinic focus on everything food allergy — from diagnosis to treatment to long-term care. We’re here to provide our patients with real solutions to improve their quality of life.
Food Allergy Anxiety Digital Magazine
This comprehensive online magazine offers an unparalleled exploration into a concerning phenomenon that is affecting so many who live with food allergies.
Allergic Living: Auvi-Q Injectors Now On-Board with American, Other Airlines
There is good news to report on stock epinephrine auto-injectors in the skies. Kaléo, the makers of the Auvi-Q auto-injectors, say their compact device is now being included in the emergency medical kits of American Airlines’ main fleet of airplanes.
Allergy & Asthma Network: New Year's Resolutions For Asthma and Allergies
Tips for 2020 on how to live a more comfortable life with allergies and asthma for the new year!
Food Allergy Life: It’s complicated, I’ll bring my own food
Inclusive eating can take many forms. Find secrets for hosting people with food allergies and special diets in this article from Grateful Foodie.
Everything You Wanted to Know About Peanut Allergy
To date, peanut allergy continues to be the most common food allergy among American children, learn more about it in this article!
Allergy Amulet: How to Find the Right College Food Fit
Read about tips for incoming college students from an incoming college student, Alexa Gilbert. Here are a few things she looks for when deciding whether or not a college's food situation is going to be a good fit for her, or anyone else living with life-threatening food allergies.
Chicago Tribune: A new drug may help kids’ peanut allergies soon, but for now parents afraid of fatal reactions turn to a rare therapy from a few Chicago-area doctors
How to Fly Safely With Food Allergies
Illinois residents raising concerns with sesame allergy bill
Apps, Food Allergy Friendly Companies, Videos
88 Acres: 2019 Impact Report
This growing seed-based company aims to provide allergen-free products while being environmentally conscious. Read about their additional social justice initiatives as they aim to increase access to healthy snacks in school districts.
AllergyEats’ 2019 List of Top 10 Most Allergy-Friendly Restaurant Chains in America
Derived from the restaurant reviews of food-allergic diners across the U.S., this comprehensive list recognizes both small and large restaurant chains that have been ranked highest by food-allergic diners. You can contribute by sharing your personal dining experiences by rating the restaurants on their free app or website.
Divvies
If you want vegan, nut-free, egg-free and dairy free treats, Divvies is the you want to go to!
EAT
EAT asks people what one word they would use to describe food allergies. Their answers are astounding.
Food Allergy Fund
The New York Stock Exchange welcomes The Food Allergy Fund in order to raise awareness during Food Allergy Awareness Month. To honor the occasion Ilana Golant, Founder and CEO, rings The Opening Bell.
The Food Allergy Pros, LLC provides consultation to entities that serve the public as well as consumer packaged goods, pharmaceutical, food service, medical and other industries that wish to improve and expand products and services and enhance the safety and inclusion of people living with food allergies.
Healthline: The Best Allergy Blogs of 2019
This year’s selection of best allergy blogs stand out for their commitment to educating, inspiring, and empowering those who need it most.
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!
Kaneland: Allergy & Asthma Center
Dr. Sakina Bajowala and her team are committed to providing the highest quality allergy, asthma & immunology care for your entire family. Read some of Dr. Bajowala’s most recent blog posts on "Achoo!- Adventures of an Allergist Mommy"!
No Nut Traveler
Watch the founder, Lianne Mandellbaum, share her perspective:
Nutphree's Bakery
Great place to shop for nut free bakery! It is 100% Peanut & Tree Nut Free!
The Safe and Fair Food Company's
Birthday Cake Granola
Add this Birthday Cake Granola to your cereal bowl, yogurt, ice cream or snack time to make every day more colorful. Each handful is made with clean and vegan ingredients with a share of ancient grains. The best part? It's Top 8 Allergen Free!
Snack Safely: Use of Antihistamines for Anaphylaxis Symptoms Linked with Delay in Seeking Emergency Treatment
Meet the Maker: Lil Mixins
Meenal Lele is a food allergy mom who was determined to create the safest, easiest and most affordable early introduction solution possible. She used her experience in the biomedical field and training as an engineer to become the only food allergy parent to bring a presentation product to market. Lil Mixins is now the #1 pediatrician-recommended early introduction product available.
Whole & Free Foods
Whole & Free Foods is making it easier for everyone to eat with the people they love - regardless of dietary restrictions or preferences. Their new line of Every Body Eat snack thins are delicious and reported to be quite addicting! Every Body Eat products are full of the flavors you want, and free of the stuff you don't (including the top 14 food allergens + corn). Based in Evanston, IL, Every Body Eat products are made in their own facility that is free from the top 14 +corn

Code for 20% discount for everybodyeating.com through February 9th is MOCHALOVE
"This is what I know..." by Susan Tatelli
Northwestern University: Peer-to-Peer Videos
Dr. Ruchi Gupta and her team have developed peer-to-peer food allergy educational videos that can be shown in classrooms! There are three videos tailored to different grade levels with corresponding FAQ sheets, teacher guides, and discussion questions for use in classrooms. The videos will allow peers to better understand and support their food allergic classmates.
CPR and Anaphylaxis: Your preparation to respond
Anaphylactic shock is a serious and potentially fatal condition that could be triggered by anything in the surrounding environment. A CPR training course can help you identify the signs of anaphylaxis and provide you with the necessary skills to combat a severe allergic reaction to save a life. 

Bring education and awareness to your community, and empower your friends and family how to respond during a life-threatening emergency.  
 
Contact  [email protected]  to schedule a CPR class brought to you with an American Heart Association Instructor today!
College Corner

College Corner was created by Hannah Safron and John Kosner.
Hannah Safron
  • Freshman (19 years old)
  • University and Major: University of Illinois at Chicago, Public Health

Is it difficult avoiding your allergy when you have roommates?
  • I've been able to avoid any issues by having the allergy conversation before even meeting my roommates. Direct communication is so necessary to set clear expectations about food in your dorm room when you're sharing a room with someone who may not have any allergies.
How do you feel about the way your campus handles your allergies?
  • Unfortunately, UIC was not the most equipped to deal with allergies when I first arrived. Since talking with the director of productions, the dining hall has made some strides but they are still transitioning to a more accommodating environment. For example, I recently had to request that chopped peanuts were not openly available at the ice cream topping bar. Making these requests can be intimidating, but the director of productions has promised changes, and in the meantime, I avoid that area completely.


You can connect with me on Spokin @ hsafron.
John Kosner
  • Sophomore (20 years old)
  • University and Major: University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Molecular and Cellular Biology

Is it difficult avoiding your allergy when you have roommates?
  • Living with someone can be difficult, especially with allergies. Echoing Hannah, communication of your individual needs is significant. Luckily, many of people on campus that I have explained my allergies to have been more than understanding. Understanding from peers and even adults takes a thoughtful explanation of how severe allergies can be. Roommate situations can become tough when communication stops, so be willing to talk!
How do you feel about the way your campus handles your allergies?
  • At UIUC, they have been as accommodating as they possibly can be. Students with allergies can apply to Disability Resources & Education Services(DRES), which allows that student to have access to their necessary resources. Those resources for me being Inclusive Solutions(an app for ordering food at dinning halls in an allergen free zone) and direct contact with DRES staff. DRES is not just limited to those with allergies, but is extremely valuable to anyone with disabilities, making U of I one of the most inclusive Universities to attend. I was really lucky with how UIUC handles allergies!
You can connect with me on Spokin @ johnkoz92 or email: [email protected]
Spokin's Top Rated Colleges
 College is a transformative time in every young adult’s life, and luckily there are many schools who take food allergies as seriously as their students' futures. Spokin users have shared over 150 reviews for colleges nationwide. See the 20 Top Rated allergy-friendly schools to make college application season just a little bit easier.
Dining Hall Free of the 'Big 8'
Serving increasing numbers of students with allergies, University of North Texas joins Michigan State in offering a dining hall free of the most common food allergens.
A Message to Your High Schooler or College Student
Are roommates, friends, classmates, and professors aware of food allergy needs? Find tips and important reminders for your child as they navigate the challenges of greater independence.
Chicagoland Information
Addition to Allergy and Immunology Division
Dr Jacqueline Pongracic, Division Head of Allergy and Immunology at Ann & Robert H Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago is thrilled to announce that Dr Sai Nimmagadda will be joining our Division. He will start seeing patients in the first quarter of 2020, with plans to see patients at the Grayslake Outpatient Center, the main campus and other sites later in the year. Dr Nimmagadda has expertise in a wide variety of allergic diseases. He has special interests in food allergy, asthma and eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). 
Early Peanut Introduction to Prevent Peanut Allergy
The Division also has a special fast-track clinic to evaluate babies who are at risk for peanut allergy (severe/ difficult to control eczema OR known egg allergy). This clinic is based upon the recommendations from the LEAP study to assess whether at-risk babies have allergy antibody to peanut and whether they should start consuming it to prevent the development of peanut allergy. 
For new appointments, please call  1-800-KIDS-DOC and ask for the LEAP clinic.

Clinical Trials Currently Recruiting
Moderate to Severe Eczema: Dr. Anna Fishbein is looking for patients with moderate to severe eczema for a research study. If you have moderate to severe eczema and are between the ages of 15-25 years old, you may qualify to participate in a sleep research study conducted by Feinberg and Lurie Children's. In the study you wear a watch that monitors your sleep for a week. If you qualify, you then stay for 2 nights and 3 days at Feinberg to monitor sleep and eczema. If you are interested in more information about this study please email  [email protected]


Asthma Prevention: We are recruiting toddlers for an NIH-sponsored asthma prevention study, Preventing Asthma in High Risk Kids. To learn more about this study, please check out  https://youtu.be/PQrdNB7lM5U   or go to www.clinicaltrials.gov.
We are recruiting pre-school children for several other clinical trials, including food allergy clinical trials for peanut allergy, both oral immunotherapy and epicutaneous (skin patch) immunotherapy. If you are interested in learning more about these studies, please contact the research office at Lurie Children's at [email protected]  or call us at  312-227-6474 .
A big thank you and congratulations to Christine Szychlinski, APN, CPNP on her retirement!
Importance of Gut Bacteria
New research, led by Dr. Cathy Nagler and Dr. Roberto Berni Canani, shows that healthy infants have intestinal bacteria that prevent the development of food allergies.
Congratulations to Cathryn Nagler, Ph.D from The University of Chicago!
Dr. Nagler was named as one of Crain's Chicago Business Notable Women in Health Care for 2019 and was selected as a 2020 Distinguished Fellow of the American Association of Immunologists. This award recognizes members for distinguished careers and outstanding scientific contributions as well as their service to AAI and the immunology community. It honors active, long term members( 25 or more years) who have demonstrated one or more of the following: excellence in research accomplishment in the field of immunology; exceptional leadership to the immunology community in academia, foundations, nonprofits, industry or government at a national international level; notable distinction as an educator. Election as a Distinguished Fellow is among the highest honors bestowed by AAI. Congratulations Dr. Nagler!
Current Study Recruiting Peanut-Allergic Children
UChicago Medicine is currently recruiting for the Safety and Efficacy Study of Viaskin Peanut. The study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of Viaskin Peanut to induce desensitization to peanut in peanut-allergic children 1 to 3 years of age after a 12-month treatment by EPicutaneous ImmunoTherapy (EPIT).
New Findings about Soy for Children with Celiac Disease and EoE
Children who have both celiac disease and an associated allergic inflammatory disorder may not need to permanently remove soy from their diets to reduce scarring in the esophagus, according to new research from the University of Chicago Medicine.
Tamara Hubbard, MA, LCPC, a clinical counselor in private practice in northern IL, often works with those managing food allergies, especially parents/caregivers. With an emphasis on empowerment and resilience, she focuses on helping people understand their own thoughts, feelings and behaviors related to living with food allergies. Interactive worksheets-- such as the Food Allergy Thinking Traps Worksheet-- are useful tools for adults, parents, older kids/teens, and even medical professionals and mental healthcare providers to share with their patients.
Coping with Food Allergy Tragedies
Read Tamara's latest article about how to better deal with the problems that can come along with severe food allergies.
Sarah Ackerman: Girl Behind the Hive
Sarah Ackerman, known to her followers as "The Girl Behind the Hive" has been supporting allergy organizations and efforts since childhood. She has spent her entire life navigating food allergies. Throughout her advocacy, she has been able ot provide the allergy community with real life insights and advice regarding college, dating, the workplace and so much more. When not blogging about navigating life with food allergies find Sarah on the sets of television shows throughout NYC or at school pursuing her MBA! Find Sarah on Instagram, Facebook or Twitter @girlbehindthehive
Introducing: Affinity Practice
Dr. Rhian Morcott is a board-certified psychiatrist in Adult Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent
Psychiatry with over twenty years of experience, who recently opened a private practice, Affinity
Practice, in Lake Bluff, IL. She provides personalized care with comprehensive treatment approaches including talk therapy, medications, integrative and lifestyle interventions. We are excited to share her information as a resource to our MOCHA community. For further inquires, please reach out with the contact information below.
SOAAR officially expanded to the Center for Food Allergy and Asthma Research (CFAAR) at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago!
FACEBOOK USERS: For those of you on Facebook, check out SOAAR's page by searching
The Food Allergy Experience.
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. 
Riya Jain
Special thanks to Riya, who is 13 years old and an eighth grader for creating a phenomenal cartoon video which was showcased at the 2019 FACES Conference.
The Class That Can: Food Allergies
This creative children’s book is a perfect way for schools to introduce and discuss food allergies to their students. It is a great book not only for kids and parents with food allergies but others without food allergies. It allows for kids to learn about allergies and what they can do instead of what they cannot!
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!
Food Allergy Policy Reminder!
January is a great time to check on your own or a loved one's school food allergy policies. Comfort in the policies currently in place is natural, but revisits should come two times a year: one being at the start and the other after holiday break. Remind school personnel of the needs that have to be met (what is in their 504), make sure emergency procedures are in place and that new personnel are aware of students daily needs and the emergency plan. Assuming that "everything will be alright" or being complacent can lead to breakdowns in care plans. High school and college students should take charge in reaching out to key personnel since it can lead to becoming more independent. If you would like more information on how to implement care plans, please contact us!
MOCHA 2020 In Person Get Togethers
Many of you reach out to us to try and connect with others that have the same aged kids and/or allergies perhaps from the same area so that you can create your own in person groups. We are happy to try and facilitate these online connections. If anyone decides they want to create a casual "In Person Meet Up" just let us know and we will pop it out for others!

We suggest keeping it in these categories:
Preschool Age: Babies-Preschool/age 4
Elementary Age: K-4 (ages 5-9)
Middle School/Jr High: Ages 10-13
High School: 14-18
College/Adults:
Parents Only.... Cheat and Eat/Wine and Whine

In the meantime, keep reading your ENews for upcoming events.
We are here for you!
WANTED: In-person Connections!
MOCHA Mom of a 1 year old with food allergies to peanut/treenut and egg is looking to connect with other Moms in her area (Palatine, Illinois) for support, play groups, dinner
If you are interested, please email Alyssa directly at: [email protected]
A Special Thanks to These Exhibitors that were at the FARE Contains Courage 2019 Summit!
AHEAD
Better Bites Bakery
Caleb's Cooking Company
DBV Technologies
Dineable
Don't Go Nuts
Food Sitch
Foublie
Genentech
Gluten Free Gloriously
Latitude Food Allergy Care
MetaBall Energy Bites
OWYN
Partake
Pixie Lizzie
Ready, Set, Food!
Spokin
Vermont Nut Free Chocolates
YumEarth
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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.