Changes for the New Year at FACST!
Beginning February 7th, FACST will have a new meeting place, day and time!!!!
We will now meet at SPIN! Pizza, 1808 NW Chipman Rd in Lee’s Summit, on the first Tuesday of the month at 7pm. We hope that this more casual atmosphere will increase participation by helping members feel more comfortable. Although ordering food is not mandatory, SPIN! offers a variety of allergen free choices including wheat/gluten free crusts, dairy& egg free crusts, dairy free cheese. These meetings will be for adults only- lap babies welcome.
FACST wants to sincerely thank Truman Medical Center Lakewood for their generous support in letting us use their meeting space. We will continue to use their facilities for future events when needed. We look forward to continuing working with the nice folks at TMC Lakewood!
February’s Topic: FACST agenda for 2012-What would you like covered?
Come with ideas, questions and concerns. See you then!!!
We're on facebook!!
OK, OK, I'm not going to say it. I'm not going to ask you to "like" us. But I am going to let you know that FACST of Kansas City (Food Allergy: Connect, Share, Thrive) is on facebook. You can visit us to get the latest on food allergy info, find the next meeting and share your tips!
Lessons Learned the Hardest Way
Our hearts go out to the Johnson family and all those who
loved Amarria.
No doubt, you have read about the latest food allergy victim, 7 year-old Amarria Johnson. If not, click here. She died after ingesting a peanut given to her by a classmate and NOT receiving epinephrine from her school nurse. So many lessons from this tragic story.
- There must be clear communication between allergist and patient regarding the importance and life -saving properties of the correct usage of epinephrine.
- There must be clear communication between parents of food allergic parents and the schools regarding following a doctor approved food allergy action plan.
- Parents must provide the schools with (and schools must accept) up to date medical records and medications.
- All school personnel must be trained on how to avoid allergens, recognize a reaction and put an emergency plan into action- quickly.
- Schools must have stock epinephrine on hand. Epi’s must be available in a case where a parent has not provided medication, provided medication has expired, the provided device has malfunctioned, or there is a previously undiagnosed reaction (25% of 1st time reactions occur in schools).
Most of these points have been explored in the press and on various food allergy message boards and websites. One point that I think needs to be addressed is the education not only of food allergy families and school staff, but also educating the classmates of food allergic students.
I know many parents do not want to draw attention to their child being different. But guess what- THEY ARE DIFFERENT! Personally, I would want a life size poster of my child wearing a t-shirt that reads “I Have Food Allergies!” displayed in his school. Students know who the “peanut” kid is. They are not fooled. That is not the problem. The problem is when people have the attitude that being different equals being wrong or bad. Sure our kids want to fit in- everyone does. But the flip side of that idea is that although everyone wants to fit in, everyone is unique and has their own strengths and weaknesses, talents and struggles. Perhaps if Amarria’s classmate was educated about the dangers of food allergies, this would have not only avoided a needless death , but it may have spared her pain as well. This child must now live with a mistake that an adult made by not educating her.
Speak up. Volunteer to read a book about food allergy to your child’s class, give Alexander the Elephant stickers or coloring pages to your child’s teacher to share, download the Be a PAL program from FAAN, talk to your school’s PTA, set up an info table or take part in other FAAN activities for Food Allergy Awareness Week. There are plenty of ideas at FAAN. Also check out our kids’ section- there are some great videos, activities, and games for kids!!! FACST also has a lending library- (we own most of the Alexander series) come to a meeting and check one out!
Books Available at your local library
"What's up with Paulina?" : medikidz explain food allergies by Kim Chilman-Blair
The princess and the peanut allergy by Wendy McClure
Horace and Morris say cheese (which makes Dolores sneeze!) by James Howe
The peanut-free café by Gloria Koster
The peanut pickle : a story about peanut allergy by Jessica Ureel
Taking food allergies to school by Ellen Weiner
Sign this petition to help get stock epi’s legalized in all states
FACST Offers Free Training for Living With Food Allergies
FACST will be offering free programs regarding food allergies through the Mid Continent Plublic Library System. If you are interested in signing up, click here to connect to the MCPL site.
Thursday, January 12 6:30 Grandview Branch
Monday, January 30 9:00 Red Bridge Branch (KC)
Tuesday,January 31 2:00 North Independence Branch
Monday, February 13 7:00 Oak Grove Branch
Tuesday, April 17 7:00 Colbern Road Branch (Lee's Summit)
Wednesday, July 11 7:00 Lee's Summit Branch
Thursday, January 12 6:30 Grandview Branch
Monday, January 30 9:00 Red Bridge Branch (KC)
Tuesday,January 31 2:00 North Independence Branch
Monday, February 13 7:00 Oak Grove Branch
Tuesday, April 17 7:00 Colbern Road Branch (Lee's Summit)
Wednesday, July 11 7:00 Lee's Summit Branch
