Monday, December 12, 2011
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Nurse Educator at Seattle Children's Hospital
Food Allergy Initiative Northwest and Seattle Children's Hospital have been in partnership over the last several years in our Food Allergy Community Health Education Program. Part of this program funds a nurse educator, who does FREE presentations at schools, camps, day cares (anywhere, really) on food allergies. Ann Wahl, our new nurse educator, has made dozens of presentations to almost 2,000 attendees this year alone, all across Washington state. In addition to her presentation tailored to lay people she also has a presentation targeting health professionals.
We are lucky to have such a wonderful, free resource available in our state, and I want to make sure everyone is making use of it!
To schedule a no cost visit call or email Ann at (206) 884-1012 or foodallergy@seattlechildrens.org
And as always feel free to ask me (or any of the other FAI-NW board members) any questions about our nurse educator or the other initiatives we're working on. We're happy to help and grateful that our state is at the forefront of this program!
More information at http://seattlechildrens.org/foodallergy/
Thank you to our guest blogger, Wendy Heipt. You can contact her at wandeheipt@gmail.com
We are lucky to have such a wonderful, free resource available in our state, and I want to make sure everyone is making use of it!
To schedule a no cost visit call or email Ann at (206) 884-1012 or foodallergy@seattlechildrens.org
And as always feel free to ask me (or any of the other FAI-NW board members) any questions about our nurse educator or the other initiatives we're working on. We're happy to help and grateful that our state is at the forefront of this program!
More information at http://seattlechildrens.org/foodallergy/
Thank you to our guest blogger, Wendy Heipt. You can contact her at wandeheipt@gmail.com
Sunday, October 30, 2011
Thank you for a spooktacularly fun afternoon!
It was great to see so many families out today. I have not had a chance to look at our check in sheet but we definitely had 20+ adorable costumed food allergic kids and their families enjoying the festivities at Montlake Community Center today.
I must plug Montlake Community Center. When I told them we had food allergic kids coming to the event, they asked the custodian to clean the floors last night with a machine and he wiped surfaces and mirrors down really well. The only group using it before us was a karate class so we didn't have nearly as much pre-event clean up as we expected. Whew! On top of that, I am very grateful that the City of Seattle granted us a nonprofit rental fee discount (not as easy to get as one might think).
Now I must thank 3 members of the WA FEAST Board for their commitment to making this happen. Desi Tucker is responsible for the cheeky signage and flyer as well as the cool carnival games and the portable PA system and she was assisted by husband Trent and kids on loading, decorating and clean-up;, Teisha Stiles brought 6 members of her family including her artistic and helpful children (and their friend Patrick) who turned the hall into a festive space in no time and helped with the carnival games, and Tiesha whipped up the cutest homemade Wishing (fishing?) Cauldron I have ever seen; Jenny Nolan kept us all organized and oversaw a very successful craft and coloring area. My family made good on their promises to me (OK, so maybe I did a little begging and bribing!) and did a great job with their DJ Checkit Skit and my kids and I played dance music for Dina Blade's family dance which was a lot of fun.
Everyone pitched in on clean-up - THANK YOU! We were out by 4:30ish!
I am privileged to also say thank you to the WA FEAST Board for a very kind and unexpected gesture. They decided that they would like to help my 13 yo PA daughter and I attend FAAN's Teen Summit in Washington DC. We may not be able to go this year, due to jazz band commitments, but I am touched and honored and feel that I barely deserve such generosity. If we do go, I hope to bring back some first hand knowledge of how to run such an event and perhaps try to do the same thing here on the West Coast. I am humbled. Thank you.
Finally, I wanted to acknowledge the businesses who made donations to the door prize raffle. I think this is the complete list but please let me know if you took something home that isn't listed here.
Allerbling,http://www.allerbling.com - two bracelets
Allermates, http://www.allermates.com - 8 bracelets, two lunch boxes
Allergic Living, http://www.allergicliving.com - subscription
The Bugabees Friends with Food Allergy, children's book by Amy Recob, http://thebugabees.com/
Princess and the Peanut Allergy, children's book by Wendy McClure, http://www.amazon.com/Princess-Peanut-Allergy-Wendy-McClure/dp/0807566233
Sophie Safe Cooking, Cookbook by Emily Hendrix, http://www.sophiesafecooking.com
Food Allergies and Children (3) /Food Allergies and Schools (3) - Pocket Guides from the Allergy Free Table series. http://www.allergyfreetable.com/
Flourishing with food allergies, book by A. Anderson,http://www.flourishingwithfoodallergies.com/
And last but not least, the "oh so adorable that I wish I had an epipen to put in it for myself" the Epi-Puppy, http://epipuppy.com/
Now the good news for those of you who did not make it today is that we did not send all of this stuff home which means that you may have a chance to win some of it at a future FEAST event!
Be sure to check out "How to have a not-so-spooky Halloween." It was created by Thanita Clancy of Loudoun Allergy Network and is being share with WA FEAST members with her permission, thanks to the magic of the FAAN Food Allergy Support Group Advisory Commitee Facebook page.
Kelly Morgan
Friday, October 21, 2011
Washington FEAST Halloween Spook-tacular
Join us Saturday October 29
1:00-4:00 PM at the Montlake Community Center
1618 E Calhoun Street, Seattle, WA 98112
Please click for our Registration Survey and Waiver and Release for our Halloween Spooktacular! We hope you'll come! There will be carnival games starting at 1:00 PM, followed by a costume contest, a Detective DJ Check It skit, and a puppet play by Giraffe and Staff http://giraffeandstaff.com/. We will finish the day with a short hoedown style family dance. Tweens and teens will have access to the gym starting at 2:00 PM and we'll have someone organizing games for them as well, but hope we'll all gather back in the main room for the dancing. We will add a schedule of events to the website soon.
We would be very grateful if everyone who is even considering coming to please respond to a Registration Survey and print and sign a waiver form for everyone who plans to attend the event. Apologies if you have already responded on MeetUp but we would be very grateful if you could also fill out the survey. If you are not 100% sure that you will come, please register and just mention that in the comments section. ALSO, make sure you go through all three pages of the survey - the third page asks if you are willing to volunteer at the event. Also, we will have waiver forms at the event, but if it is convenient, please print and sign ahead of time and bring to the event with you.
There is a suggested donation of $5 per child but we won't turn anyone away.
HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR VOLUNTEER JOBS:
NOTE: This is a great opportunity for anyone middle school or high school students who need service hours for school.
Here is the link!
http://wafeast.org/2011/10/wafeast-halloween-carnival-sat-oct-29-2011/
We hope you'll come out and join us even for a little while. Watch the website and our various social media sites for a schedule of events. The day is shaping up frighteningly well!
Food-free and latex-free fun!
Kelly Morgan on behalf of the WA FEAST Board
1:00-4:00 PM at the Montlake Community Center
1618 E Calhoun Street, Seattle, WA 98112
Please click for our Registration Survey and Waiver and Release for our Halloween Spooktacular! We hope you'll come! There will be carnival games starting at 1:00 PM, followed by a costume contest, a Detective DJ Check It skit, and a puppet play by Giraffe and Staff http://giraffeandstaff.com/. We will finish the day with a short hoedown style family dance. Tweens and teens will have access to the gym starting at 2:00 PM and we'll have someone organizing games for them as well, but hope we'll all gather back in the main room for the dancing. We will add a schedule of events to the website soon.
We would be very grateful if everyone who is even considering coming to please respond to a Registration Survey and print and sign a waiver form for everyone who plans to attend the event. Apologies if you have already responded on MeetUp but we would be very grateful if you could also fill out the survey. If you are not 100% sure that you will come, please register and just mention that in the comments section. ALSO, make sure you go through all three pages of the survey - the third page asks if you are willing to volunteer at the event. Also, we will have waiver forms at the event, but if it is convenient, please print and sign ahead of time and bring to the event with you.
There is a suggested donation of $5 per child but we won't turn anyone away.
HALLOWEEN SPOOKTACULAR VOLUNTEER JOBS:
- Game station - need 7 -8 adults or tweens/teens
- Set-up - Arrive at Montlake CC at 11:15 AM
- Clean up - we'll be out of there by 5:00 PM.
NOTE: This is a great opportunity for anyone middle school or high school students who need service hours for school.
Here is the link!
http://wafeast.org/2011/10/wafeast-halloween-carnival-sat-oct-29-2011/
We hope you'll come out and join us even for a little while. Watch the website and our various social media sites for a schedule of events. The day is shaping up frighteningly well!
Food-free and latex-free fun!
Kelly Morgan on behalf of the WA FEAST Board
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| From WAFEAST Events |
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Milk Allergy Study in Babies in Seattle
Milk Allergy study in babies birth to eight months. Please visit http://www.asthmainc.org/ or contact studies@asthmainc.org
From Blogger Pictures
From Blogger Pictures
Friday, September 30, 2011
WAFEAST presents Halloween Carnival
Lots of food-free fun planned for Saturday October 29, 2011!
Games, prizes, contests and more!
Join us 1:00-4:00 PM at the Montlake Community Center
1618 E Calhoun Street, Seattle, WA 98112
From WAFEAST Events
Contact leader@wafeast.org
Games, prizes, contests and more!
Join us 1:00-4:00 PM at the Montlake Community Center
1618 E Calhoun Street, Seattle, WA 98112
Contact leader@wafeast.org
Friday, August 12, 2011
Back to school tips – Plan! Plan! Plan!
As children, we all remember having butterflies at the end of the summer as our parents prodded us to pick out lunch boxes and try on new clothes. As parents of food allergic children, we may feel those butterflies return, as we think about turning over responsibility of our children’s well being to school staff. If we aren’t careful, our anxiety can spill over and increase the butterflies that our kids are feeling as a natural part of returning to or starting school. While seeking out a therapist in anxiety management may be something to consider, much can be achieved via good planning. There are several vehicles for planning for accommodating food allergic students in the school setting, including the Individualized Health Plan (IHP) and 504 Plan, in some cases they are one in the same.
· Emergency action plan. This plan is developed in conjunction with the school nurse and is based on written prescription orders from your child’s physician. This plan describes the symptoms of anaphylaxis that your child may exhibit and instructs staff about what actions to take in the event of a food allergy emergency. If you are in a state where nurses are not allowed to delegate judgment authority to staff, you may find that the staff will be advocating that all reactions are treated with epinephrine.
· Risk reduction plan. This plan informs school staff about how to AVOID having to implement the Emergency Action Plan. The goal is to address as many plausible risky situations as possible and contingencies for unanticipated situations. The topics you might address here include what allergens are allowed in the room for parties and snacks, review any food used in class projects or science kits, assess potential risks associated with field trips,
· Inclusiveness plan. This plan addresses steps to be taken by the school and staff to avoid exclusion of your food allergic child and can layer on top of a risk reduction plan, but in some ways I think it is beneficial to think of it as a separate exercise. Many parents supply safe snacks/treats for their food allergic children. However, due to the fact that this is a “separate but equal approach,” more and more parents are requesting that all celebrations and snacks be inclusive. This can be achieved by implementing non-food rewards and celebrations and, if food is allowed, only food listed on an approved snack/party list is used.
Where to start? See if your state has food allergy guidelines in place. If not, guidelines from other states can be very useful. Finally, there are many 504 planning resources on the web. For more info, check out http://www.foodallergy.org/.
Kelly Morgan
· Emergency action plan. This plan is developed in conjunction with the school nurse and is based on written prescription orders from your child’s physician. This plan describes the symptoms of anaphylaxis that your child may exhibit and instructs staff about what actions to take in the event of a food allergy emergency. If you are in a state where nurses are not allowed to delegate judgment authority to staff, you may find that the staff will be advocating that all reactions are treated with epinephrine.
· Risk reduction plan. This plan informs school staff about how to AVOID having to implement the Emergency Action Plan. The goal is to address as many plausible risky situations as possible and contingencies for unanticipated situations. The topics you might address here include what allergens are allowed in the room for parties and snacks, review any food used in class projects or science kits, assess potential risks associated with field trips,
· Inclusiveness plan. This plan addresses steps to be taken by the school and staff to avoid exclusion of your food allergic child and can layer on top of a risk reduction plan, but in some ways I think it is beneficial to think of it as a separate exercise. Many parents supply safe snacks/treats for their food allergic children. However, due to the fact that this is a “separate but equal approach,” more and more parents are requesting that all celebrations and snacks be inclusive. This can be achieved by implementing non-food rewards and celebrations and, if food is allowed, only food listed on an approved snack/party list is used.
Where to start? See if your state has food allergy guidelines in place. If not, guidelines from other states can be very useful. Finally, there are many 504 planning resources on the web. For more info, check out http://www.foodallergy.org/.
Kelly Morgan
Monday, August 8, 2011
Workplace Food Allergies Taskforce
On Saturday, August 27th at 10:30 am Christina and I will be meeting at the Bellevue Library to hash out the beginnings of a pamphlet advising workplaces on how best to handle employees with food allergies, as well as some best practices for employees with food allergies.
If you have food allergies and are in the workforce, please join us, or e-mail us what has worked (and not worked) for you. What are some challenges you've faced?
If you know of someone struggling with food allergies in the workplace, we'd love to hear from them.
Kids just entering the workplace who have questions - we'd like to know what those questions are.
Also - if you or someone you know work in Human Resources or are lawyers with experience in ADA cases, we need some expert backup as we move down the line here.
We would like to create a pamphlet (or pamphlets) that is useful to WA-FEAST, FAI, FAAN, HR departments, supervisors, and employees alike. If you know of work already done in this area, we'd love to use that too.
Thanks, Alice
www.SafeAndYummy.com
If you have food allergies and are in the workforce, please join us, or e-mail us what has worked (and not worked) for you. What are some challenges you've faced?
If you know of someone struggling with food allergies in the workplace, we'd love to hear from them.
Kids just entering the workplace who have questions - we'd like to know what those questions are.
Also - if you or someone you know work in Human Resources or are lawyers with experience in ADA cases, we need some expert backup as we move down the line here.
We would like to create a pamphlet (or pamphlets) that is useful to WA-FEAST, FAI, FAAN, HR departments, supervisors, and employees alike. If you know of work already done in this area, we'd love to use that too.
Thanks, Alice
www.SafeAndYummy.com
Friday, July 8, 2011
Next Mariner's peanut-controlled-zone game Thursday July 14
Hope you all had a fun and safe 4th of July! With the holiday behind us I just realized that our next Mariners game is only a week away. Go to www.mariners.com/nopeanuts to order your tickets now. Game is on Thursday, July 14th vs. Texas Rangers. It's the first game after the All-Star break.
Let's recap. Earlier in the season I said that it was true the Mariners were not very good, but we should go support them anyway. Well, heck, they have been playing much better now and are even in the race for first place. So let's really get out there and support them. Their pitching has been out of this world. Maybe we can all go and fire up their offense with our cheering.
And for our last Rainiers game I said it would be your last chance to see Dustin Ackley close up before he got called up to the Mariners. Well, they were a little more anxious than expected and Mr. Ackley got called up just prior to our Raininers game. So now is your chance to see him play in the big leagues.
And let's not kid ourselves. The weather at our first couple of games wasn't the best. But man has it been nice lately. The kids are out of school now, so come on out and enjoy a nice evening at the ballpark.
One important item of note I wanted to mention as well. My main contact with the Mariners, Bob Hellinger, has suffered a pretty serious medical issue and has been in the hospital for a while. He may not return to his work this season while he recovers. I was planning on making a get well sign to hold up at the game and thought other folks may want to do the same. We really did well with signs our first couple of games a few years back, but that has sort of died down. So let's bring that action back. Make get well signs for Bob, make thank you signs for the Mariners, and make garlic fry signs as well.
Basically, let's get out there, buy lots of tickets for our section to show our support for their efforts and then really show it during the game as well. Hope to see lots of you at the ballpark again! Have a great weekend.
Michael San Soucie
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Tree Nut Allergy Research in Seattle
Benaroya Research Institute of Virginia Mason is seeking adults for food allergy research.
Benaroya Research Institute (BRI) is looking for severely tree nut allergic and/or peanut allergic individuals to donate their blood and answer a questionnaire about their allergy history. If you have a severe tree nut allergy, please consider helping BRI’s team of world-renowned scientists identify causes and cures for immune-mediated diseases, such as allergies.If interested, please contact the Allergy Translational Research Coordinator:
From Blogger Pictures
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| From Blogger Pictures |
Benaroya Research Institute (BRI) is looking for severely tree nut allergic and/or peanut allergic individuals to donate their blood and answer a questionnaire about their allergy history. If you have a severe tree nut allergy, please consider helping BRI’s team of world-renowned scientists identify causes and cures for immune-mediated diseases, such as allergies.If interested, please contact the Allergy Translational Research Coordinator:
Jennifer Heaton
(206)342-6971
jheaton@benaroyaresearch.org
Benaroya Research Institute Receives $5.3 Million for Allergy Studies
SEATTLE, Wash. - (Feb. 18, 2008) – Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason (BRI) recently received a $5.3 million grant from the National Institutes of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) for William Kwok, PhD, and his team to further research allergens.
Dr. Kwok and David Robinson, MD, of the Virginia Mason Asthma and Allergy Clinic, will work together to study immune response to environmental allergens. The scientists will use tetramers to identify and study cells from individuals who are allergic to cat dander, tree and grass pollen, peanuts, mold and others.
Allergies are prevalent in many people’s lives. It is estimated that about 25 percent of the population has allergies based on positive skin test results. About 36 million Americans suffer from allergic rhinitis, 10 million Americans suffer from allergic asthma, and 2 to 4 percent of children and 1 to 2 percent of adults have food allergies.
Tetramers can specifically identify the piece of the allergen molecule (peptide) that a person reacts with. This allows for safer ways to monitor and desensitize patients to allergies. The hope is that this work can lead to an understanding of the role certain cells play in allergies. It is intended that the cells being studied can regulate immune responses that lead to allergic reaction.Currently allergy shots, given to increase people’s tolerance for a particular allergen, contain the whole allergen to reduce the symptoms of allergy. In some cases, the shots may cause life threatening symptoms such as anaphylactic shock and low blood pressure. This research work will lead to development of vaccines that use a small fragment of the allergen (peptide) which will be much safer compared to the whole allergen. It may be able to change the immune system’s tolerance for the allergy without using the actual allergen.
“The long term hope is that the peptides will be more specific with fewer side effects than giving shots with the whole allergen,” says Dr. Kwok. “We would like to develop a more individualized, specific treatment that will reduce any risks using the whole allergen.”
“This grant gives us an opportunity to make a significant difference for people who suffer from allergies and elevate their options for care – yet another great example of how we’re taking research from the bench at BRI to the bedside at Virginia Mason,” said Dr. Robinson.
Dr. Robinson continued, “From a basic science standpoint, being able to identify what the T-cell recognizes in the allergen is a fundamental step in the allergic immune response that we have not been able to define before. This will potentially allow researchers to tease apart fine details of the allergic immune response and this could lead to other treatment approaches that have not yet even been conceived.”
About Benaroya Research Institute at Virginia MasonBenaroya Research Institute at Virginia Mason (BRI), founded in 1956, works to unlock the mysteries of the immune system. Its team of world-renowned scientists is focused on identifying causes and cures for devastating diseases including diabetes, arthritis, heart disease and cancer. BRI is an international leader in immune system and autoimmune disease research with a focus on translating laboratory discoveries to real-life applications.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
Peanut Controlled Section @ Seattle Mariner's June 4th Game!
This weekend the Seattle Mariner's are offering another peanut controlled seating section! It is our day game for all of you with younger children. And the Mariners are playing some AWESOME baseball right now. It is also suppose to be really nice out! What more could you ask for?
So what are you waiting for? Go online right now to www.mariners.com/nopeanuts and order your tickets for this Saturday's game. It starts at 1:10pm. It should be a great day at the park vs. the Tampa Bay Rays.
Hope to see lots of you there so we can show the Mariners that it is worth all their extra time and effort they put into these events for us. They really do go out of their way. Go Mariners!
Michael San Soucie
Deadline to purchase Friday June 3rd at noon.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Seattle FAAN Walk 2011
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| From Seattle FAAN Walk & Kyle Dine Event |
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| From FAAN Walk Seattle and Kyle Dine Concert |
I would to take a few moments to encourage you to sign up for this years food allergy walk in Seattle. My family and I have tons of fun attending and volunteering at the walks every year. We get to see and talk to so many fantastic people during the event. I can't even begin to tell you how special it is for our allergic child to feel accepted and welcome during the walks.
Seattle, FAAN walk 2011
Date of Walk: Saturday, August 20, 2011
Location: Warren G. Magnuson Park, 7400 Sand Point Way NE, Seattle, WA 98115
Check-In Begins: 9:00 a.m.
Walk Begins: 11:00 a.m.
Distance: 2 miles
Contact: Walkseattle@foodallergy.org
Restrictions: No pets, glass bottles, bikes, roller skates, or skate boards. Baby strollers and wagons are welcomed.
You can see Seattle-walk photos from the last two years at the link below:
http://picasaweb.google.com/WAFEAST
Signing up for the walk is easy. You can join a team that already exist, start your own team, sign up as an individual, or you can even join as a cyber-walker if unable to attend.
We hope you will participate in this years walk as a volunteer and/or a walker.
Washington FEAST - team
Tiesha
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
Play Ball!
2011 Peanut-controlled zone Seattle Mariner and Tacoma Rainier games!
I know the snow is just now melting away. But spring training is in full swing down in sunny Arizona. Ah, sun! That means baseball season is not far away. Actually, it is only about a month away before the first pitch. So I wanted to let you know that tickets are on sale now for both the Seattle Mariners and Tacoma Rainiers 2011 peanut controlled games.
To order Mariner tickets simply go online to www.mariners.com/nopeanuts and choose the games you want to attend. As always, tickets are only $11! That is a great deal for a Mariner game and we have four dates (5/7, 6/4, 7/14, and 8/17) to choose from including two Saturday games. One Saturday game is even a day game which is one of our most common requests.
For Tacoma Rainier tickets, please call Ryan Latham at 253-722-1041. Cheney Stadium has gone through a major remodel this off season so come out and see what is new at this wonderful old ballpark. Our first game at Cheney Stadium this season is a Sunday day game (4/17) on the opening weekend of the stadium. Be one of the first to attend a game at the newly refurbished stadium. By the way, I did say "our first game at Cheney Stadium this season.". Yes, we do have a second game with the Rainiers in 2011 which is on June 22nd. That is new. Also new at Cheney Stadium this year, they will be asking anyone who buys tickets for the peanut controlled seating area to sign a waiver. I mention that so you are not caught off guard. Tickets for the Rainiers are $9.95 and include either a hot dog, chips, and soda or a souvenir item for those with food allergies who can't eat the food option. Just let Ryan know which package you need.
I hope to have a flyer soon for the Rainiers game. Once I do I will share it with all of you so you can print it out and have your doctors and allergists hang them up in their office or advertise anywhere you can think of for this. For the Mariner games, you can simply print out the website and hang that around to help get the word out about these options for families with food allergies. See you all at the ballpark.
Play ball!
Michael San Soucie
I know the snow is just now melting away. But spring training is in full swing down in sunny Arizona. Ah, sun! That means baseball season is not far away. Actually, it is only about a month away before the first pitch. So I wanted to let you know that tickets are on sale now for both the Seattle Mariners and Tacoma Rainiers 2011 peanut controlled games.
To order Mariner tickets simply go online to www.mariners.com/nopeanuts and choose the games you want to attend. As always, tickets are only $11! That is a great deal for a Mariner game and we have four dates (5/7, 6/4, 7/14, and 8/17) to choose from including two Saturday games. One Saturday game is even a day game which is one of our most common requests.
For Tacoma Rainier tickets, please call Ryan Latham at 253-722-1041. Cheney Stadium has gone through a major remodel this off season so come out and see what is new at this wonderful old ballpark. Our first game at Cheney Stadium this season is a Sunday day game (4/17) on the opening weekend of the stadium. Be one of the first to attend a game at the newly refurbished stadium. By the way, I did say "our first game at Cheney Stadium this season.". Yes, we do have a second game with the Rainiers in 2011 which is on June 22nd. That is new. Also new at Cheney Stadium this year, they will be asking anyone who buys tickets for the peanut controlled seating area to sign a waiver. I mention that so you are not caught off guard. Tickets for the Rainiers are $9.95 and include either a hot dog, chips, and soda or a souvenir item for those with food allergies who can't eat the food option. Just let Ryan know which package you need.
I hope to have a flyer soon for the Rainiers game. Once I do I will share it with all of you so you can print it out and have your doctors and allergists hang them up in their office or advertise anywhere you can think of for this. For the Mariner games, you can simply print out the website and hang that around to help get the word out about these options for families with food allergies. See you all at the ballpark.
Play ball!
Michael San Soucie
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| From Peanut Controlled Zone - 2008 |
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Valentine Candy Finds
Thank you to our guest blogger, Michele!
Here is some timely information that might be helpful for those wanting Valentine candy but have food allergy concerns.
This link includes:
Yummy Earth assorted lollipops
College Farms assorted nature pops
Surf sweets gummy bears/worms-PCC/Whole foods
Glee Gum-Whole foods
Enjoy Life Chocolate bars and chips
Amanda's Own dairy free/nut free chocolates-online has more delicious chocolate for those with several food allergies.
Click here for a link to Valentine's candies free of the TOP 8 allergens (milk, egg, peanut, tree-nut, shellfish, soy, wheat, fish). In addition to being available on-line, some are at PCC and Whole Foods.
This link has candy in general (not just holiday) that is free of the TOP 8 allergens. There is quite a bit. Candy heaven for any child. This website is a great reference for finding candy that at least NATURAL and some of it is socially responsible. Free of artificial dyes and high fructose corn syrup can also make it guilt free in feeding it to your child. Calorie free? uh, no. ;-)
Cheers,
Michele
Mother of child who is allergic to wheat, egg, dairy, nuts, tree nuts, peanuts, and shellfish
Here is some timely information that might be helpful for those wanting Valentine candy but have food allergy concerns.
This link includes:
Yummy Earth assorted lollipops
College Farms assorted nature pops
Surf sweets gummy bears/worms-PCC/Whole foods
Glee Gum-Whole foods
Enjoy Life Chocolate bars and chips
Amanda's Own dairy free/nut free chocolates-online has more delicious chocolate for those with several food allergies.
Click here for a link to Valentine's candies free of the TOP 8 allergens (milk, egg, peanut, tree-nut, shellfish, soy, wheat, fish). In addition to being available on-line, some are at PCC and Whole Foods.
This link has candy in general (not just holiday) that is free of the TOP 8 allergens. There is quite a bit. Candy heaven for any child. This website is a great reference for finding candy that at least NATURAL and some of it is socially responsible. Free of artificial dyes and high fructose corn syrup can also make it guilt free in feeding it to your child. Calorie free? uh, no. ;-)
Cheers,
Michele
Mother of child who is allergic to wheat, egg, dairy, nuts, tree nuts, peanuts, and shellfish
This is posted only for your information. As with other information on the Internet, please research to verify if these products meet your individual needs. WA-FEAST takes no responsibility for the claims of the companies listed in these links.
Wednesday, December 29, 2010
In Memory and Hope for 2011
We’d like to pause to take time to remember those who we've read about that have had fatal food reactions in 2010. We are thinking of their families and loved ones as they must move into 2011 without them. Our tribute to them.
Yla Aquino age 17 died May 2010 Chino Hills, California (peanut allergy) prom night
In Memory of Yla Aquino YouTube Video
Poppy Harvey age 19 Suffolk (England) died June 2010 (nut allergy) snack at work
In Memory of Poppy Harvey YouTube Video
Darren Taylor age 44 Teesside (UK) died July 2010 (unknown fin-fish allergy) fish caught on fishing trip eaten at home
Teesside Angler dies after eating fish
Kevin Edouard age 21 of Spring Valley, New York on a cruise off Florida Coast died August 2010 suspected peanut allergy (unconfirmed report)
Nyack's Kevin Henry Edouard
Molly Dyer age 13 England (nut allergy) take-away curry
In loving memory of Molly Dyer 1997-2010
Katelyn Marie Carlson age 13 Chicago died December 2010 (peanut allergy) Chinese food brought in for school party
Katelyn Carlson
We hope that in their memory, we can find solutions for those affected by severe food allergies. There is hope for the future!
Five years after Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management Act was introduced in the U.S. Congress, FAAMA has finally passed as part of S150 (FDA Food Safety Modernization Act Summary). It is expected to be signed into law by President Obama.
(4) Directs the Secretary to develop voluntary food allergy and anaphylaxis management guidelines for schools and early childhood education programs.
This is a victory and a step in the right direction.
There are also several ongoing studies which may lead to new treatments or even better . . . A CURE! Check out these video links for a recent summary by the Food Allergy Initiative
Evening About Research. Video 1 of 3
Evening About Research. Video 2 of 3
Evening About Research. Video 3 of 3
WA-FEAST is grateful for your support of food allergy education, awareness and advocacy. We wish a safe 2011 to you and yours.
Yla Aquino age 17 died May 2010 Chino Hills, California (peanut allergy) prom night
In Memory of Yla Aquino YouTube Video
Poppy Harvey age 19 Suffolk (England) died June 2010 (nut allergy) snack at work
In Memory of Poppy Harvey YouTube Video
Darren Taylor age 44 Teesside (UK) died July 2010 (unknown fin-fish allergy) fish caught on fishing trip eaten at home
Teesside Angler dies after eating fish
Kevin Edouard age 21 of Spring Valley, New York on a cruise off Florida Coast died August 2010 suspected peanut allergy (unconfirmed report)
Nyack's Kevin Henry Edouard
Molly Dyer age 13 England (nut allergy) take-away curry
In loving memory of Molly Dyer 1997-2010
Katelyn Marie Carlson age 13 Chicago died December 2010 (peanut allergy) Chinese food brought in for school party
Katelyn Carlson
We hope that in their memory, we can find solutions for those affected by severe food allergies. There is hope for the future!
Five years after Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Management Act was introduced in the U.S. Congress, FAAMA has finally passed as part of S150 (FDA Food Safety Modernization Act Summary). It is expected to be signed into law by President Obama.
(4) Directs the Secretary to develop voluntary food allergy and anaphylaxis management guidelines for schools and early childhood education programs.
This is a victory and a step in the right direction.
There are also several ongoing studies which may lead to new treatments or even better . . . A CURE! Check out these video links for a recent summary by the Food Allergy Initiative
Evening About Research. Video 1 of 3
Evening About Research. Video 2 of 3
Evening About Research. Video 3 of 3
WA-FEAST is grateful for your support of food allergy education, awareness and advocacy. We wish a safe 2011 to you and yours.
Monday, December 20, 2010
Peppermint Bark Cupcakes
I wanted to share a cupcake strategy that I have been enjoying this year - sort of a combination of peppermint bark and cupcake.
1. Make chocolate cupcakes (I have been using the recipe from Cybele Pascal's new cookbook, The Allergen-Free Baker's Cookbook) BUT add about 1/2 teaspoon mint flavoring and 1/2 cup safe chocolate chips. I have been making mini-cupcakes with festive paper baking cups.
2. Melt about 1/2 -3/4 cups of chocolate chips in the microwave. When the cupcakes are cooled, drizzle the melted chocolate on top of the cupcake.
3. Crush safe candy canes in the wrapper (I use a rolling pin on a cutting board), cut off top and combine in a bowl. Use a spoon to sprinkle the candy canes over the melted chocolate before it hardens.
You can also try this with a vanilla cupcake recipe (drop the vanilla, add the peppermint) and actually add some crushed candy cane to the cupcake batter for color.
What I like about this is that I don't have to make frosting!
Quick, easy, and quite tasty!
Kelly Morgan, President
Washington FEAST
1. Make chocolate cupcakes (I have been using the recipe from Cybele Pascal's new cookbook, The Allergen-Free Baker's Cookbook) BUT add about 1/2 teaspoon mint flavoring and 1/2 cup safe chocolate chips. I have been making mini-cupcakes with festive paper baking cups.
2. Melt about 1/2 -3/4 cups of chocolate chips in the microwave. When the cupcakes are cooled, drizzle the melted chocolate on top of the cupcake.
3. Crush safe candy canes in the wrapper (I use a rolling pin on a cutting board), cut off top and combine in a bowl. Use a spoon to sprinkle the candy canes over the melted chocolate before it hardens.
You can also try this with a vanilla cupcake recipe (drop the vanilla, add the peppermint) and actually add some crushed candy cane to the cupcake batter for color.
What I like about this is that I don't have to make frosting!
Quick, easy, and quite tasty!
Kelly Morgan, President
Washington FEAST
Thursday, December 16, 2010
WA-FEAST 2010 in review
Greetings everyone!
As the year comes to a close, I am taking a minute to reflect on food allergies and Washington FEAST. I have often felt that someone else, someone who doesn't have food allergies to manage, should be doing the footwork that we find ourselves doing as parents and individuals who want to make the world a better place for food allergic individuals. We have so much (or at times so little!) on our plates just managing food allergies, as if making an allergen-free lunch every day of the school year, or baking way more cupcakes than any parent should have to make (although I have to confess to really enjoying baking cupcakes!), and constantly living with the fear that we have either not done enough to protect our kids (or ourselves) or that we are doing too much and either annoying others or creating a child who won't be able to advocate for themselves ! And that is one reason why FEAST exists.....perspective!
I just wanted to share something that I have learned in the last several years. I need to be a part of change, be a part of the vision for a better future for our kids and food allergic adults. And participating in FEAST brings me joy, and it challenges every ounce of organizational competency that I can muster, but character building experiences are good for us, aren't they? But I have also learned that, in addition to the food allergy work I do, I need work (or play) that gives me complete joy and satisfaction. In the last 3 years, I have pulled my guitar out of the closet, warmed up my vocal cords, immersed myself in old time and bluegrass music communities, and can now confidently say that I am an amateur old time/bluegrass/folk musician. I even played at Folklife twice last year, with my kids in a family band, and with some other adults I met at my bluegrass class. It was really FUN!
And you know what the best thing about it is, my kids are watching me have A LOT OF FUN doing something that doesn't involve reading labels, negotiating with restaurant managers, or chaperoning field trips! And all this fun transcends and supersedes any food allergy angst that I might have from time to time, and it has redefined me - I am not only food allergy mom and support group leader, I am a musician as well. And the fun that I am having nurturing myself in this way does spill back into my food allergy world, making me a better leader and listener (or at least I hope so), and yes, it makes advocating for food allergy awareness more FUN. But it does take up quite a bit of my free time, so there are trade offs, but necessary ones.
I am going to list the 2010 FEAST events below. I hope that you have all had many food allergy successes in 2010 but also many happy memories of riding bikes, swimming in pools, climbing mountains, skiing, traveling, cooking with loved ones, playing sports, or maybe singing, dancing and playing music with others. Whatever brings you and yours joy. It is so important to figure that out and honor it - it IS as important as writing those emergency care plans and reading those cross-contamination labels.
In 2011, educate those coaches and friends, write those letters to congress, send that donation in, but also take time to re-connect with yourself (and maybe your spouse?) And really, for many (but not all) of us, it does come back around to our children; when they see us doing what makes us happy, despite obstacles, they will follow suit and grow up to live joy-filled lives and maybe they will find their joy in food allergies - thank you Kyle Dine! Thank goodness happiness is "safe" for everyone!
In parting, a word about giving. Washington FEAST would be nothing without your continued presence on the listserve where you can help others by sharing your own experiences and your support of FEAST events and activities. We don't require fees for membership and plan to keep it that way, but your donations are tax deductible and will help FEAST as it grows. To make a donation using Pay Pal, go to the Washington FEAST website,http://www.wafeast.org/ and click on "How you can help" or send a check to the mailing address listed on the website and in my email signature.
The Washington FEAST Board is committed to our mission statement in 2011:
Washington FEAST Mission Statement
August 2008
Washington FEAST (Food Allergy, Eczema, and Asthma Support Team) provides education and support to individuals and caregivers who are affected by life-threatening food allergies and who may also deal with related atopic disorders such as eczema and asthma. We provide outreach to the newly diagnosed and the larger community, building awareness of the severity of these allergies as well as how to prevent allergic reactions and how to respond if reactions occur. When needed, we advocate for change that will improve the lives of food-allergic individuals.
My final note is a personal thank you to the Washington FEAST Board of Directors and Officers who have worked behind the scenes for the last two years to establish FEAST as a small nonprofit with big visions for improving the lives of food allergic individuals in Washington State. Heartfelt thanks to Jana Robertson, VP, board member; Tamis Nordling, Secretary, board member; Sarah Beddow, Treasurer, board member; Tiesha Stiles, Assistant VP of Outreach, board member; Kerrie Schurr, board member, Ann Stapleton, board member, Andrea Evans, board member.
A safe and healthy 2011 to all! And please don't be shy about sharing your visions for FEAST. We love to hear your ideas!
Kelly Morgan, President
Washington FEAST, http://www.wafeast.org/
1-425-24FEAST (messages)
kelly@wafeast.org
Mail: 2400 NW 80th St., #315
Seattle WA 98117
Year in Review: 2010
I. Education/Outreach
a. Speaker meetings - Dr. Robert Sidbury
b. Yahoo Group Listserve – 526 Members
c. Website - thank you Jana for great content and updates as well as Twitter, Facebook and Blog.
d. Brochure update - Thanks to Board Members Tamis Nordling (Secretary) for design and to Kerrie Schurr for editing. It looks great! (click here)
e. Love and Logic Workshop
f. FAAW Proclamation – Thanks to all who took time to send letters to the Governor.
g. Kyle Dine Tween/Teen Event/Pool social - lots of fun!
h. FAAN Walk booth – Kyle Dine Concert; we love Kyle!
i. Bastyr Fair - thanks Tiesha!
j. Puyallup Fair - again, thanks Tiesha and volunteers!
k. Conference - Wow! What a great day! Amazing speakers, great questions, relaxing location. Thanks to our tireless conference co-chair, Jana Robertson, and our sponsors and volunteers for making it a success! Thank you to Conference Sponsors Spokane FASN, Allerbling, Coconut Bliss, Dey the makers of EpiPen, Bastyr Center, Medic Alert, Navan Foods, Allergic Living Magazine, and Microsoft Employee Giving Programs!! And thanks to Ener-G Foods, Ian’s Natural Foods, Namaste Foods, Harry and Davids, PF Changs, Funky Monkey Snacks, Allergy Monkey for samples and door prizes! Thank you volunteers Lynn Anders and Erin Hayes.
l. Peanut-free Sections at Mariners and Rainiers – Thanks for all your hardwork Michael San Soucie!
m. Dave Niehaus donations - again, thank you Michael!
II. Board of Directors
a. Washington State Nonprofit Conference - attended by Kelly Morgan
b. Annual Meeting: Board Training by Jurassic Parliament
c. FAAN Leader’s Summit in Las Vegas – attended by Jana Robertson (VP) and Kelly Morgan.
III. Fundraising
a. Golf Tournament – raised $3000 to be matched by Microsoft Matching! Thanks to FEAST members who worked at the tournament board member Andrea Evans and her wonderful relatives, Anya and Evie, as well as Sarah Beddow (treasurer, board member) and Kelly Morgan – Thank you to these generous donors of door prizes for the golf tournament: Sturtevants (Bellevue), Martin and Barbara Snoey, The Northwest Store, The Container Store, Storables, Lucky Strike, Watson-Kennedy (The Commons). Mode Organic Salon (The Commons), ProGolf Bellevue, Little Rae's Bakery, Experience Music Project and Trader Joes (Totem Lake). And to those who procured donations: Andrea Evans, Kelly Morgan, Jana Robertson, Stacey Weichbrodt.
IV. Next year?
a. School District Award for Implementation of Anaphylaxis Guidelines.
b. Restaurant Safety; Work with state and local public health agencies to get law passed to require all restaurants to post food allergy posters in appropriate languages.
c. More fairs? Evergreen? Whole Foods?
d. Website? We are looking at a major update in the website to make the great info there more accessible.
e. Social events/Awareness-raising events - Halloween Party
f. Special Diet resource fair in conjunction with other organizations.
g. Food allergy education events for the public
h. Google Group - stay tuned!
i. Northwest Food Allergy Camp?
As the year comes to a close, I am taking a minute to reflect on food allergies and Washington FEAST. I have often felt that someone else, someone who doesn't have food allergies to manage, should be doing the footwork that we find ourselves doing as parents and individuals who want to make the world a better place for food allergic individuals. We have so much (or at times so little!) on our plates just managing food allergies, as if making an allergen-free lunch every day of the school year, or baking way more cupcakes than any parent should have to make (although I have to confess to really enjoying baking cupcakes!), and constantly living with the fear that we have either not done enough to protect our kids (or ourselves) or that we are doing too much and either annoying others or creating a child who won't be able to advocate for themselves ! And that is one reason why FEAST exists.....perspective!
I just wanted to share something that I have learned in the last several years. I need to be a part of change, be a part of the vision for a better future for our kids and food allergic adults. And participating in FEAST brings me joy, and it challenges every ounce of organizational competency that I can muster, but character building experiences are good for us, aren't they? But I have also learned that, in addition to the food allergy work I do, I need work (or play) that gives me complete joy and satisfaction. In the last 3 years, I have pulled my guitar out of the closet, warmed up my vocal cords, immersed myself in old time and bluegrass music communities, and can now confidently say that I am an amateur old time/bluegrass/folk musician. I even played at Folklife twice last year, with my kids in a family band, and with some other adults I met at my bluegrass class. It was really FUN!
And you know what the best thing about it is, my kids are watching me have A LOT OF FUN doing something that doesn't involve reading labels, negotiating with restaurant managers, or chaperoning field trips! And all this fun transcends and supersedes any food allergy angst that I might have from time to time, and it has redefined me - I am not only food allergy mom and support group leader, I am a musician as well. And the fun that I am having nurturing myself in this way does spill back into my food allergy world, making me a better leader and listener (or at least I hope so), and yes, it makes advocating for food allergy awareness more FUN. But it does take up quite a bit of my free time, so there are trade offs, but necessary ones.
I am going to list the 2010 FEAST events below. I hope that you have all had many food allergy successes in 2010 but also many happy memories of riding bikes, swimming in pools, climbing mountains, skiing, traveling, cooking with loved ones, playing sports, or maybe singing, dancing and playing music with others. Whatever brings you and yours joy. It is so important to figure that out and honor it - it IS as important as writing those emergency care plans and reading those cross-contamination labels.
In 2011, educate those coaches and friends, write those letters to congress, send that donation in, but also take time to re-connect with yourself (and maybe your spouse?) And really, for many (but not all) of us, it does come back around to our children; when they see us doing what makes us happy, despite obstacles, they will follow suit and grow up to live joy-filled lives and maybe they will find their joy in food allergies - thank you Kyle Dine! Thank goodness happiness is "safe" for everyone!
In parting, a word about giving. Washington FEAST would be nothing without your continued presence on the listserve where you can help others by sharing your own experiences and your support of FEAST events and activities. We don't require fees for membership and plan to keep it that way, but your donations are tax deductible and will help FEAST as it grows. To make a donation using Pay Pal, go to the Washington FEAST website,http://www.wafeast.org/ and click on "How you can help" or send a check to the mailing address listed on the website and in my email signature.
The Washington FEAST Board is committed to our mission statement in 2011:
Washington FEAST Mission Statement
August 2008
Washington FEAST (Food Allergy, Eczema, and Asthma Support Team) provides education and support to individuals and caregivers who are affected by life-threatening food allergies and who may also deal with related atopic disorders such as eczema and asthma. We provide outreach to the newly diagnosed and the larger community, building awareness of the severity of these allergies as well as how to prevent allergic reactions and how to respond if reactions occur. When needed, we advocate for change that will improve the lives of food-allergic individuals.
My final note is a personal thank you to the Washington FEAST Board of Directors and Officers who have worked behind the scenes for the last two years to establish FEAST as a small nonprofit with big visions for improving the lives of food allergic individuals in Washington State. Heartfelt thanks to Jana Robertson, VP, board member; Tamis Nordling, Secretary, board member; Sarah Beddow, Treasurer, board member; Tiesha Stiles, Assistant VP of Outreach, board member; Kerrie Schurr, board member, Ann Stapleton, board member, Andrea Evans, board member.
A safe and healthy 2011 to all! And please don't be shy about sharing your visions for FEAST. We love to hear your ideas!
Kelly Morgan, President
Washington FEAST, http://www.wafeast.org/
1-425-24FEAST (messages)
kelly@wafeast.org
Mail: 2400 NW 80th St., #315
Seattle WA 98117
Year in Review: 2010
I. Education/Outreach
a. Speaker meetings - Dr. Robert Sidbury
b. Yahoo Group Listserve – 526 Members
c. Website - thank you Jana for great content and updates as well as Twitter, Facebook and Blog.
d. Brochure update - Thanks to Board Members Tamis Nordling (Secretary) for design and to Kerrie Schurr for editing. It looks great! (click here)
e. Love and Logic Workshop
f. FAAW Proclamation – Thanks to all who took time to send letters to the Governor.
g. Kyle Dine Tween/Teen Event/Pool social - lots of fun!
h. FAAN Walk booth – Kyle Dine Concert; we love Kyle!
i. Bastyr Fair - thanks Tiesha!
j. Puyallup Fair - again, thanks Tiesha and volunteers!
k. Conference - Wow! What a great day! Amazing speakers, great questions, relaxing location. Thanks to our tireless conference co-chair, Jana Robertson, and our sponsors and volunteers for making it a success! Thank you to Conference Sponsors Spokane FASN, Allerbling, Coconut Bliss, Dey the makers of EpiPen, Bastyr Center, Medic Alert, Navan Foods, Allergic Living Magazine, and Microsoft Employee Giving Programs!! And thanks to Ener-G Foods, Ian’s Natural Foods, Namaste Foods, Harry and Davids, PF Changs, Funky Monkey Snacks, Allergy Monkey for samples and door prizes! Thank you volunteers Lynn Anders and Erin Hayes.
l. Peanut-free Sections at Mariners and Rainiers – Thanks for all your hardwork Michael San Soucie!
m. Dave Niehaus donations - again, thank you Michael!
II. Board of Directors
a. Washington State Nonprofit Conference - attended by Kelly Morgan
b. Annual Meeting: Board Training by Jurassic Parliament
c. FAAN Leader’s Summit in Las Vegas – attended by Jana Robertson (VP) and Kelly Morgan.
III. Fundraising
a. Golf Tournament – raised $3000 to be matched by Microsoft Matching! Thanks to FEAST members who worked at the tournament board member Andrea Evans and her wonderful relatives, Anya and Evie, as well as Sarah Beddow (treasurer, board member) and Kelly Morgan – Thank you to these generous donors of door prizes for the golf tournament: Sturtevants (Bellevue), Martin and Barbara Snoey, The Northwest Store, The Container Store, Storables, Lucky Strike, Watson-Kennedy (The Commons). Mode Organic Salon (The Commons), ProGolf Bellevue, Little Rae's Bakery, Experience Music Project and Trader Joes (Totem Lake). And to those who procured donations: Andrea Evans, Kelly Morgan, Jana Robertson, Stacey Weichbrodt.
IV. Next year?
a. School District Award for Implementation of Anaphylaxis Guidelines.
b. Restaurant Safety; Work with state and local public health agencies to get law passed to require all restaurants to post food allergy posters in appropriate languages.
c. More fairs? Evergreen? Whole Foods?
d. Website? We are looking at a major update in the website to make the great info there more accessible.
e. Social events/Awareness-raising events - Halloween Party
f. Special Diet resource fair in conjunction with other organizations.
g. Food allergy education events for the public
h. Google Group - stay tuned!
i. Northwest Food Allergy Camp?
Sunday, December 12, 2010
Peanut-controlled seats for 2011 season at The Seattle Mariners and Tacoma Rainiers
December 2010
Hello everyone,
I know that now is not the time most folks are really thinking about baseball. But I think about it year round. With that in mind, I am happy to say that both the Tacoma Rainiers and Seattle Mariners are again supporting peanut controlled baseball games in 2011. The Rainiers have even added an extra game next season. The game dates are as follows:
Tacoma Rainier games:
Sunday, April 17th, 2011 at 1:35pm - Be one of the first groups to see the brand new stadium, plus a day game for those with smaller kids
Wednesday, June 22nd, 2011 at 7:05 - Come celebrate the beginning of summer break from school
Seattle Mariner games:
Saturday, May 7th, 2011 at 6:10pm - The Mariners should be a young and exciting team in 2011. Come check out what the youngsters are all about.
Saturday, June 4th, 2011 at 1:10pm - Another Saturday game so you don't have to worry about school, plus this is a day game again for those with smaller children.
Thursday, July 14th, 2011 at 7:10pm - Come out and see the World Series runner up Texas Rangers.
Wednesday, August 17th, 2011 at 7:10pm - Hopefully next August is much nicer than the one we had this year and we can all enjoy a wonderful summer night at the ballpark.
Many thanks to the Mariners and Rainiers for providing a wonderful selection of games that food allergy families can choose from to get out and enjoy some baseball. I will send out ticket prices and ordering details early in the new year.
Happy Holidays everyone!
Michael San Soucie (contact Michael by e-mail)
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Michael San Soucie coordinated a WA-FEAST group gift to give to FAAN in memory of Dave Niehaus and passed it on to the Niehaus family at the December 11th memorial. Thanks to WA-FEASTers, Michael was able to present $550 to FAAN.
As you may recall, Dave Niehaus, beloved Seattle Mariner's announcer, died on November 10. Dave had a relative with a food allergy and his family suggested donations to FAAN (Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network). Dave Niehaus' memorial was at Safeco Field December 11. See the Seattle Times Mariner Blog
Michael San Soucie,
Kelly Morgan, President
Jana Robertson VP Washington FEAST
http://www.wafeast.org/
1-425-24FEAST (messages)
leader@wafeast.org
Mail: 2400 NW 80th St., #315 Seattle WA 98117
http://wafeast.org/Baseball.html
Tuesday, November 30, 2010
WA-FEAST is collecting donations for Dave Niehaus memorial
As you may recall, Dave Niehaus, beloved Seattle Mariner's announcer, died on November 10. Dave had a relative with a food allergy and his family suggested donations to FAAN (Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network). Dave Niehaus' memorial will be at Safeco Field December 11. See the Seattle Times Mariner Blog
Michael San Soucie, who has been working closely with the Mariners and their peanut-controlled sections has agreed to collect donations from WA-FEAST members and he will be at the Memorial Service to present checks to FAAN to the family in Dave's memory.
Here are the details.....
Write check to: FAAN
In subject line write: Dave Niehaus
Mail to: Michael San Soucie (please e-mail leader@wafeast.org for the postal address)
We should try to get these in the mail by Dec. 7 so that they reach Michael in time. Michael will be willing to take cards or letters to the event as well and I am sure that the family will enjoy hearing about how much families appreciate the peanut-controlled sections at the Mariner's games.
If you prefer, you may use WA-FEAST's Paypal button found http://wafeast.org/How_You_Can_Help.html and list that you'd like the donation to be included in the FAAN gift. Your acknowledgement will come from WA-FEAST instead of FAAN but rest assured, we will pass along all of your gift.
Let's thank Dave and the Mariners for all they have done! And a big thanks to Michael for all his hard work on the memorial service gift and his untiring dedication to making major and minor league baseball more accessible to those with food allergies!
Of course you are welcome to donate to FAAN on your own without going through WA-FEAST!
Kelly Morgan, President
Jana Robertson VP Washington FEAST
http://www.wafeast.org/
1-425-24FEAST (messages)
leader@wafeast.org
Mail: 2400 NW 80th St., #315 Seattle WA 98117
Michael San Soucie (contact Michael by e-mail)
http://wafeast.org/Baseball.html
Michael San Soucie, who has been working closely with the Mariners and their peanut-controlled sections has agreed to collect donations from WA-FEAST members and he will be at the Memorial Service to present checks to FAAN to the family in Dave's memory.
Here are the details.....
Write check to: FAAN
In subject line write: Dave Niehaus
Mail to: Michael San Soucie (please e-mail leader@wafeast.org for the postal address)
We should try to get these in the mail by Dec. 7 so that they reach Michael in time. Michael will be willing to take cards or letters to the event as well and I am sure that the family will enjoy hearing about how much families appreciate the peanut-controlled sections at the Mariner's games.
If you prefer, you may use WA-FEAST's Paypal button found http://wafeast.org/How_You_Can_Help.html and list that you'd like the donation to be included in the FAAN gift. Your acknowledgement will come from WA-FEAST instead of FAAN but rest assured, we will pass along all of your gift.
Let's thank Dave and the Mariners for all they have done! And a big thanks to Michael for all his hard work on the memorial service gift and his untiring dedication to making major and minor league baseball more accessible to those with food allergies!
Of course you are welcome to donate to FAAN on your own without going through WA-FEAST!
Kelly Morgan, President
Jana Robertson VP Washington FEAST
http://www.wafeast.org/
1-425-24FEAST (messages)
leader@wafeast.org
Mail: 2400 NW 80th St., #315 Seattle WA 98117
Michael San Soucie (contact Michael by e-mail)
http://wafeast.org/Baseball.html
Sunday, November 14, 2010
Alcohol and Food Allergies
Thank you to guest blogger, Alice from Safe and Yummy. This is a repost from her blog and may be useful to food allergic adults - especially as the coming season invites social events that may involve alcohol. As always please be sure any information you read on the internet is safe for your individual situation.
This is simply to share what I know about various alcohols and their ingredients, since ingredients labeling currently is not required for alcohol in the United States. I have no expertise, simply some experiences in Seattle, WA. As always, use your own judgment, and please let me know about your own experiences.
Beer and Malt Beverages
Beer itself tends to be straightforward, but can have intriguing things mixed into it. I’m skeptical of beers with names that contain flavors and Christmastime “seasonal” ales (due to added spices and therefore nut).
Hops has a track record of causing contact dermatitis, and both of us find that it unsettles our stomachs. We’ve found Belgian ales to be lower in hops content.
Mike’s Hard Lemonade/Limeade etc – contain malt and other beer-like substances. I have not had a problem thus far.
Wine and the Like
Red Wine – contains sulfites
White Wine – also contains sulfites, but I can tolerate it. I don’t know if you can.
Mead – mead is traditionally made from honey. I’ve tried many meads, but I don’t try the ones that have spices in them or “mulled” meads.
Sake – mostly made from rice. There’s a special kind of mold, koji, that is used instead of yeast to encourage and control the fermentation. Sakes also can contain sulfites.
Vermouth – infused with “botanicals,” who knows what that means. Watch out for martinis, vermouth may be a wine, but it is spritzed over martinis.
Mixed Drinks, Liquor, Liqueurs, etc
WARNING Gin is usually infused with many flavors including nuts. Bombay Sapphire is one I know has almond. Dry Fly is one that I know does not contain any nuts whatsoever (the people at Dry Fly are also very nice about answering ingredients inquiries).
WARNING Maraschino cherries contain almond, and some bartenders like to add cherries or cherry juice unexpectedly. Explain why cherries are a bad idea when ordering your drinks.
Vodka – vodka is a popular drink to flavor, so watch the added flavorings, but what it is made of CAN VARY. Just because you’ve heard that vodka is from potatoes doesn’t mean it all is. I personally have now seen wheat-, rye-, potato-, and honey-based vodkas. Given that though, I find plain vodkas a great starting point when I’m out, one that isn’t scary because they usually are either very plain or the flavor is broadcasted all over the label.
Absinthe – Even now that it is legal again, I have no plans to ever try it. First it’s anise flavored (which is one of my allergies), and second, I don’t have a good way to test my allergies to wormwood first. Thirdly it contains other undefined herbs.
WARNING Chartreuse – contains over a hundred herbal extracts. I’m not interested in trying this, or trying to figure out if I’m allergic to any of them, I’m sure I’m allergic to at least one.
WARNING Jägermeister – also contains a large number of herbs, fruits, spices etc. That’s too many for me. Jäger is common in mixed drinks, especially drinks that have reputations as NOT “girly” drinks. Some people add Jäger to Long Island Iced Tea.
Vermouth – (technically a wine) vermouth is infused with “botanicals,” who knows what that means. Vermouth is spritzed over martinis.
Scotch, Bourbon, Whiskey – usually start from barley, rye, or wheat and are aged in barrels (frequently oak). Sometimes those barrels have been used for other alcohols first (sherry or bourbon – yes, some scotches are aged in bourbon barrels). The grain is usually malted and sometimes smoked – leaving a peaty flavor. Laphroaig scotch usually starts with water from peat bogs, in addition to being smoked over peat. Single malt scotches have a name that they want to maintain, so they’re quite consistent between batches.
WARNING Frangelico – is a hazelnut liqueur. STAY AWAY. This is contained in the popular “chocolate cake” shot – a shot that tastes like chocolate cake but has no cake and no chocolate.
WARNING Amaretto – this is almond liqueur. STAY AWAY.
Godiva Chocolate and White Chocolate liqueur – I had a little bit of a not-so-fun feeling in my mouth on tasting the Godiva chocolate liqueur. Since I don’t know and can’t find the real ingredients I’m staying away.
WARNING Celtic Crossing – I reacted minorly to this. It tasted a bit like almonds. I don’t know what it actually was that caused the reaction.
Kaluah – I’m pretty sensitive to peanuts and tree nuts and I don’t have a problem with this coffee-flavored liqueur. Jason won’t try it though because of his coffee sensitivity and general legume allergy.
Brandy, Cognac, Port – all of these start with wine. I said above that I don’t do red wines for the sulfites, but I haven’t had a problem with brandy or cognac. Port sometimes makes me sneeze, but I like tawny port anyway.
Grand Marnier – a citrus-flavored cognac
Rum – I haven’t tried the spiced rums, but both dark and white rum are pretty straightforward. They start from cane sugar, and some dark rums are aged in barrels.
Cointreau – citrus-flavored, but is NOT a cognac. This liqueur doesn’t start with wine. I have no clue what it really is, but I’m not allergic to it and neither is Jason.
Chambord – dark, berry-flavored. That’s all I’ve got. I’m not allergic to it and neither is Jason.
Tequila – is made from agave syrup. This does bother Jason, and if you’re sensitive to cacti or tropical fruits I’d be careful of it. I recommend getting tested or challenging agave before trying tequila.
General Advice
Alcohol impairs judgment. If you have food allergies, alcohol may make it harder to make the right decision about using your EpiPen or taking your Benadryl. Surround yourself with trustworthy friends when drinking and call for help if you’re not sure about something.
I have heard some reports that alcohol can speed up allergic reactions or make you more sensitive than usual. Please be cautious.
Benadryl and alcohol can mix badly as they’re both sedatives, so be careful. Follow your doctor’s instructions at all times. I have found consulting nurses, on-campus nurses, and doctors perfectly willing to discuss what happens when you mix alcohol with emergency allergy medications with me – especially when I bring it up before it happens accidentally. Alcohol is common in our society, and an expected part of many social interactions after a certain age. If you have a quick chat with your doctor before you get into a situation involving more than a sip of wine, then you’ll be prepared and ready (on the allergy front anyway) when you’re offered your first drink.
Cocktail shakers can be used for multiple drinks. Watch out for cross-contamination.
Finally, if you plan to go out with friends and you’re not the designated driver, I advise finding a simple, commonly-available alcoholic drink that you are comfortable ordering in a mixed setting before you go out. This way you always have a safe fallback that most bars will carry and you don’t have to feel put upon when the order comes around to you and you start listing allergies. Tee-totallers do this too – they order plain Coke (looks like they’re drinking rum-and-coke) or 7-up (looks like 7-and-7). Rum and Coke, vodka with a twist of lemon, scotch, etc. Feel free to tell your bartender to mix whatever you want. You know he has Sprite or 7-Up or some kind of safe fruit juice and your favorite liqueur? So what if it’s 7-Up and bourbon? Tell him what you want, he’ll probably do it – you’re usually only paying for the liquor and his time anyway.
Final Notes
You know this already: communicate with your server and the bartender when possible. In my experience these people are even more attentive and able to accommodate requests than restaurant servers and chefs. Perhaps there is less pressure in some of the settings I’ve been in, or perhaps there is some reality in the stereotype that bartenders are there to listen, but whatever it is, I’m glad for it.
I’ll keep adding to this as I learn more and as you leave your experiences in the comments.
This is simply to share what I know about various alcohols and their ingredients, since ingredients labeling currently is not required for alcohol in the United States. I have no expertise, simply some experiences in Seattle, WA. As always, use your own judgment, and please let me know about your own experiences.
Beer and Malt Beverages
Beer itself tends to be straightforward, but can have intriguing things mixed into it. I’m skeptical of beers with names that contain flavors and Christmastime “seasonal” ales (due to added spices and therefore nut).
Hops has a track record of causing contact dermatitis, and both of us find that it unsettles our stomachs. We’ve found Belgian ales to be lower in hops content.
Mike’s Hard Lemonade/Limeade etc – contain malt and other beer-like substances. I have not had a problem thus far.
Wine and the Like
Red Wine – contains sulfites
White Wine – also contains sulfites, but I can tolerate it. I don’t know if you can.
Mead – mead is traditionally made from honey. I’ve tried many meads, but I don’t try the ones that have spices in them or “mulled” meads.
Sake – mostly made from rice. There’s a special kind of mold, koji, that is used instead of yeast to encourage and control the fermentation. Sakes also can contain sulfites.
Vermouth – infused with “botanicals,” who knows what that means. Watch out for martinis, vermouth may be a wine, but it is spritzed over martinis.
Mixed Drinks, Liquor, Liqueurs, etc
WARNING Gin is usually infused with many flavors including nuts. Bombay Sapphire is one I know has almond. Dry Fly is one that I know does not contain any nuts whatsoever (the people at Dry Fly are also very nice about answering ingredients inquiries).
WARNING Maraschino cherries contain almond, and some bartenders like to add cherries or cherry juice unexpectedly. Explain why cherries are a bad idea when ordering your drinks.
Vodka – vodka is a popular drink to flavor, so watch the added flavorings, but what it is made of CAN VARY. Just because you’ve heard that vodka is from potatoes doesn’t mean it all is. I personally have now seen wheat-, rye-, potato-, and honey-based vodkas. Given that though, I find plain vodkas a great starting point when I’m out, one that isn’t scary because they usually are either very plain or the flavor is broadcasted all over the label.
Absinthe – Even now that it is legal again, I have no plans to ever try it. First it’s anise flavored (which is one of my allergies), and second, I don’t have a good way to test my allergies to wormwood first. Thirdly it contains other undefined herbs.
WARNING Chartreuse – contains over a hundred herbal extracts. I’m not interested in trying this, or trying to figure out if I’m allergic to any of them, I’m sure I’m allergic to at least one.
WARNING Jägermeister – also contains a large number of herbs, fruits, spices etc. That’s too many for me. Jäger is common in mixed drinks, especially drinks that have reputations as NOT “girly” drinks. Some people add Jäger to Long Island Iced Tea.
Vermouth – (technically a wine) vermouth is infused with “botanicals,” who knows what that means. Vermouth is spritzed over martinis.
Scotch, Bourbon, Whiskey – usually start from barley, rye, or wheat and are aged in barrels (frequently oak). Sometimes those barrels have been used for other alcohols first (sherry or bourbon – yes, some scotches are aged in bourbon barrels). The grain is usually malted and sometimes smoked – leaving a peaty flavor. Laphroaig scotch usually starts with water from peat bogs, in addition to being smoked over peat. Single malt scotches have a name that they want to maintain, so they’re quite consistent between batches.
WARNING Frangelico – is a hazelnut liqueur. STAY AWAY. This is contained in the popular “chocolate cake” shot – a shot that tastes like chocolate cake but has no cake and no chocolate.
WARNING Amaretto – this is almond liqueur. STAY AWAY.
Godiva Chocolate and White Chocolate liqueur – I had a little bit of a not-so-fun feeling in my mouth on tasting the Godiva chocolate liqueur. Since I don’t know and can’t find the real ingredients I’m staying away.
WARNING Celtic Crossing – I reacted minorly to this. It tasted a bit like almonds. I don’t know what it actually was that caused the reaction.
Kaluah – I’m pretty sensitive to peanuts and tree nuts and I don’t have a problem with this coffee-flavored liqueur. Jason won’t try it though because of his coffee sensitivity and general legume allergy.
Brandy, Cognac, Port – all of these start with wine. I said above that I don’t do red wines for the sulfites, but I haven’t had a problem with brandy or cognac. Port sometimes makes me sneeze, but I like tawny port anyway.
Grand Marnier – a citrus-flavored cognac
Rum – I haven’t tried the spiced rums, but both dark and white rum are pretty straightforward. They start from cane sugar, and some dark rums are aged in barrels.
Cointreau – citrus-flavored, but is NOT a cognac. This liqueur doesn’t start with wine. I have no clue what it really is, but I’m not allergic to it and neither is Jason.
Chambord – dark, berry-flavored. That’s all I’ve got. I’m not allergic to it and neither is Jason.
Tequila – is made from agave syrup. This does bother Jason, and if you’re sensitive to cacti or tropical fruits I’d be careful of it. I recommend getting tested or challenging agave before trying tequila.
General Advice
Alcohol impairs judgment. If you have food allergies, alcohol may make it harder to make the right decision about using your EpiPen or taking your Benadryl. Surround yourself with trustworthy friends when drinking and call for help if you’re not sure about something.
I have heard some reports that alcohol can speed up allergic reactions or make you more sensitive than usual. Please be cautious.
Benadryl and alcohol can mix badly as they’re both sedatives, so be careful. Follow your doctor’s instructions at all times. I have found consulting nurses, on-campus nurses, and doctors perfectly willing to discuss what happens when you mix alcohol with emergency allergy medications with me – especially when I bring it up before it happens accidentally. Alcohol is common in our society, and an expected part of many social interactions after a certain age. If you have a quick chat with your doctor before you get into a situation involving more than a sip of wine, then you’ll be prepared and ready (on the allergy front anyway) when you’re offered your first drink.
Cocktail shakers can be used for multiple drinks. Watch out for cross-contamination.
Finally, if you plan to go out with friends and you’re not the designated driver, I advise finding a simple, commonly-available alcoholic drink that you are comfortable ordering in a mixed setting before you go out. This way you always have a safe fallback that most bars will carry and you don’t have to feel put upon when the order comes around to you and you start listing allergies. Tee-totallers do this too – they order plain Coke (looks like they’re drinking rum-and-coke) or 7-up (looks like 7-and-7). Rum and Coke, vodka with a twist of lemon, scotch, etc. Feel free to tell your bartender to mix whatever you want. You know he has Sprite or 7-Up or some kind of safe fruit juice and your favorite liqueur? So what if it’s 7-Up and bourbon? Tell him what you want, he’ll probably do it – you’re usually only paying for the liquor and his time anyway.
Final Notes
You know this already: communicate with your server and the bartender when possible. In my experience these people are even more attentive and able to accommodate requests than restaurant servers and chefs. Perhaps there is less pressure in some of the settings I’ve been in, or perhaps there is some reality in the stereotype that bartenders are there to listen, but whatever it is, I’m glad for it.
I’ll keep adding to this as I learn more and as you leave your experiences in the comments.
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