Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) is pleased to announce that it has named global parenting expert Jo Frost as the first National Ambassador for the FARE Walk for Food Allergy.
Meet Jo Frost at walks around the U.S. for FARE, the nation’s leading nonprofit organization dedicated to finding a cure for food allergies and supporting the food allergy community.
Frost, known for her television shows and best-selling books, (Jo Frost Toddler Rules, Family Matters, Supernanny and Family S.O.S.) was diagnosed with life-threatening food allergies to nuts, shellfish and rye as a child. She also has asthma and multiple environmental allergies. As National Ambassador of the FARE Walk for Food Allergy, Frost will be speaking and meeting with families at five FARE Walk for Food Allergy events this fall, and offering encouragement and motivation to walkers, teams and volunteers throughout the year.
The FARE Walk for Food Allergy, presented by Mylan, has raised more than $19 million since its inception in 2004. With an estimated 15 million Americans living with food allergies, there are 15 million reasons to walk. Open to all, individuals who want their steps to make a difference are encouraged to form a team or participate as an individual to support the cause. In 2013, the FARE Walk for Food Allergy program attracted 40,000 walkers who raised a record $3.6 million.
“Jo Frost is a passionate advocate on behalf of the food allergy community, and we are excited for Jo to serve as the first ambassador of the FARE Walk for Food Allergy,” said John L. Lehr, chief executive officer of FARE. “As someone who lives with food allergies, Jo understands the challenges faced by individuals and families managing life-threatening food allergies, and we know that her advocacy and energy will help draw more attention to this important public health issue.”
Food allergies are a serious and growing public health issue. The CDC reports that the number of children with food allergy has increased by a staggering 50 percent since 1997, and every three minutes a food allergy reaction sends someone to the emergency room. While awareness of this life-altering and potentially life-threatening condition has improved, more research, education, advocacy and awareness efforts are needed to improve prevention and treatment options, ensure school and work environments are safe and inclusive, train restaurants and dining halls to take proper precautions, and increase understanding of food allergy. The funds raised through the FARE Walk for Food Allergy support FARE’s work in all of these mission areas.
“For the last two years I have proudly supported my local FARE Walk for Food Allergy, and I am thrilled to be serving as the first National Ambassador for the FARE Walk for Food Allergy program,” Frost said. “This program raises critical funds and awareness to support FARE’s mission of finding a cure for food allergies, and keeping individuals with food allergies safe and included. I am so pleased to help advance the cause of the food allergy community, and I hope you will join me in this effort.”
Frost is scheduled to attend FARE Walk for Food Allergy events in Los Angeles on Sept. 21, Chicago on Oct. 5, Lakewood, NJ on Oct. 12, Las Vegas on Nov. 2 and Miami on Nov. 15.
This year, there are more than 60 FARE Walk for Food Allergy events scheduled across the country.
All FARE Walk for Food Allergy events are listed at www.foodallergywalk.org. Visit the link to register, form a team, or make a donation.
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ABOUT FARE
Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE) works on behalf of the 15 million Americans with food allergies, including all those at risk for life-threatening anaphylaxis. This potentially deadly disease affects 1 in every 13 children in the U.S. – or roughly two in every classroom. FARE’s mission is to find a cure for food allergies, and to keep individuals safe and included. We do this by investing in world-class research that advances treatment and understanding of the disease, providing evidence-based education and resources, undertaking advocacy at all levels of government and increasing awareness of food allergy as a serious public health issue. For more information, please visit www.foodallergy.org and find us on Twitter @FoodAllergy, Facebook, YouTube and Pinterest.
