This Friday’s Food for Thought is about what I learned from The Food Allergy Education Network (FAEN), founded by my friend Gina Mennett Lee. FAEN annually honors “those who care for our children” via their FAEN Hero awards. Gina’s group recognizes during Food Allergy Awareness week, adults and children who have “demonstrating diligence in keeping children with food allergies safe,” and for “recognizing that children with food allergies are part of their community.” I was inspired to discover such a positive effort to support those who reach out and go above and beyond the call of duty! This now has me thinking about what if we all created a few positive rewards within our own communities, how would food allergy awareness be impacted? Would this have value?
I’m forever on the quest to find news ways to raise awareness. I often wonder if schools districts would embrace management of food anaphylaxis at school better if they were recognized for their hard work. I believe many teachers are still left as the unsung heroes in our society. Would being celebrated make a difference? I would have to think it would. We all seem to respond to positive reinforcement. Today is my daughter’s last day of school and I plan on bestowing small, but thoughtful gifts. to those who help keep my child safe: the bus driver, school nurse, clinical aide and the front office staff who are the on the front lines if something goes terribly wrong. I want to show my appreciation of the phone calls I receive when an EpiPen® or asthma inhaler are about to expire. I even received a phone this week reminding me to pick up my daughter’s medications in the office. I appreciate the focus on these small details.
One of the hardest things I find about managing both life threatening food allergies and asthma is talking to others. I hate to be the one that might be perceived as demanding, pushing or for asking too much. What I now know, fourteen years later, is that honest, clear information presented with kindness works!..
Thanks for sharing Caroline! We are honored! The awards ceremony is something I look forward to every year. I rarely make it through without tearing up. We also have the children present the awards that they have submitted nominations for. It’s very touching. I’ve included some of the language in our nomination form (below) in case anyone else would like to do the same on their state.
FOOD ALLERGY EDUCATION NETWORK, INC.
NOMINATION FOR FOOD ALLERGY HERO AWARD
Nomination Criteria: The person/organization/business I am nominating:
• Demonstrates diligence in keeping children with food allergies safe,
• Recognizes that children with food allergies are part of their community and make accommodations that allow them to feel safe and included,
The child I am nominating:
• Demonstrates compassion and caring for their friend with food allergies. (CHILD NOMINEE)
CHILD ADVOCATE AWARD
The child I am nominating
– Demonstrates an ability to advocate or educate publicly
Eligibility: Family, friends, medical professionals, educators, school staff/administration, local organizations, businesses, child’s friend, other.
Your name: Email:
Name of person/business you are nominating:
Contact Info for nominee:
Please tell us why the nominee should be recognized as a Food Allergy Hero?
Thank you Gina for taking the time to share your details.
You have a done a great and beautiful thing. Your community is very lucky!!!
I enjoy how the children will present the awards–the connection between the person taking the action and the one receiving the benefits is priceless.
Have a great weekend.