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Due to the overwhelming support, a rewrite of the original bill for Virginia schools to stock non-student specific Epipens, HB1107, has passed the House Committee on Education in a 20:1 vote!  LAN received this update from Richmond Food Allergy Support Group's (RFASG) Advocacy Co-Leader, Stephanie Hiss.  The original bill requiring schools to stock Epipens, HB1156, was tabled.  However, the idea was resurrected in a re-write, HB1107.  HB1107 was sponsored by Loudoun County's own Rep. Greason!  Loudoun families have much to be proud of.  Let's keep this going.  Additionally, a similar bill is being introduced, SB656, on the Senate floor for vote!

RFASG has a great article on who to contact and a sample letter: http://www.richmondfoodallergy.org/2012/02/advocacy-now-instructions-and-advice.html.  Please continue to write in support of HB1107.  No child or school staff member should suffer the agonizing experience of a reaction, just because they did not have an Epipen assigned to them.  Support the Stock Eipen bill, HB1107.  

Text of the House bill (HB1107) that will be going to the House floor vote: http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?121+ful+HB1107H1  

Text of the Senate bill (SB656) that will be going to the Senate floor vote: http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?121+ful+SB656S1
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Max in the ICU
A first grade Omaha, Nebraska boy survived an allergic reaction after being put on life support.  Max's class was celebrating the holidays with a movie and a snack.  His mother went to the class to review the 2 snacks that will be offered.  After looking over the ingredients, Max's mom approved the snacks.  However, another child brought an unapproved box of peanut granola bars into the peanut-free class and the teacher distributed it among the students, including Max.
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About a month ago we found that the Blue Wiggles, Anthony Fields, has a son with food allergies.  Mr. Fields and his wife had first hand experiences with his son's severe reactions.  Now, The Wiggles has created a fun and upbeat son about allergies, "Awareness, Avoidance and Action"!  We are happy to share the video and we hope this brings more awareness to anaphylaxis, a potentially deadly disability.
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Valentine's Day is around the corner.  Are you ready for the exchange of cards at your child's school?  Many districts are now omitting candy from card exchanges to comply with their health and wellness initiatives.  That doesn't mean the kids can't have a great card to offer (and receive)!  In this month's issue of Family Fun Magazine, you can find crafty ideas for kids to make food free Valentine's Day cards for their friends.  Here are a few examples we happen to love.
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Loudoun Allergy Network (LAN) was recently contacted by the Richmond Food Allergy Support Group (RFASG) in an effort to bring legislation to Virginia school districts to stock non-student specific Epipens.  Several RFASG family wrote to their legislators after the tragic death of 7 year old Amarria Johnson, due to a food allergic reaction.  We are happy to announce that their actions resulted in the Virginia bill HB1156 being introduced and referred to the Education Committee... http://lis.virginia.gov/cgi-bin/legp604.exe?121+ful+HB1156
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Mariel C. Furlong Award
Each year, FAAN recognizes individuals or organizations that have provided outstanding service or have made significant contributions to food allergy awareness, education, outreach or advocacy. The awards were named in honor of the daughter of Anne Muñoz-Furlong, FAAN's founder.  If  you know someone who has made an impact in the life of an individual with food or other anaphylactic allergies, please nominate them!  You may nominate your child’s doctor, a teacher, a friend of the family, or even a group of people who have collectively helped make a difference.
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Neal Augenstein, Thanita Glancey, Donica H., Nathan Hager.
Thanita Glancey, Loudoun Allergy Network (LAN) Chairperson, accompanied by LAN member, Donica H., had the opportunity to tour the WTOP Glass Enclosed Nerve Center.  Thanita was interviewed by WTOP news reporter, Neal Augenstein, about her experiences with managing her daughter's food allergies.  Listen to the 4 part series below.
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Photo courtesy of ABC WIRC.com
It was the first day of the new year, 2012, when tragedy struck.  The day had not even ended before a 7 year old Richmond, Virginia girl died at her elementary school.  The cause, an allergic reaction.  The little girl was in cardiac arrest when the fire crews arrived to her school.  She died during transport to the hospital.  The investigation is now in the hands of the medical examiner's office.
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HAPPY HOLIDAYS FOR A WONDERFUL HOLIDAY SEASON AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

~LOUDOUN ALLERGY NETWORK~
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We are facing the last week of school before the holiday break.  Most classrooms will participate in festive parties to celebrate the holidays.  This is the time we all need to take a moment and step back.  To pause and be sure that what we are doing is safe and inclusive. 
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