Today, the National Allergy and Anaphylaxis Council (NAAC) formally launches into our life threatening food allergy and anaphylaxis world. This group is comprised of advocates who all share the same vision: to join forces in becoming one voice to advocate for safety, inclusion and to become a hub of advocacy information. Their website describes the NAAC’s mission, “We are a collective voice of leading advocates and professionals from across the nation. We raise awareness regarding food allergies and anaphylaxis and advocate for the fair treatment, inclusion, and safety of those diagnosed with this hidden disability”. I had the honor of witnessing, up close and personal, this council form. I have not been this humbled in a very, very long time.
Image courtesy of the NAAC
I was invited to join this outstanding group of women, (not limited to women though, gentlemen please join us), as they formed. Unfortunately, I have been completely absorbed in my own stock epinephrine legislation and family life, so I have contributed very little to the recent impressive formation of this council. Just a few short weeks ago, a group of advocates began conversations when the nick mom™ “Bake Sale” incident took place. In addition to leaping to action this group confirmed the need for advocates and those seeking fair treatment, inclusion, safety and advocacy to have access to each other. As a community, we are our own best resources. My state has benefited from information shared from other advocates in other states, I was also in need of a tool help me find others working on similar issues.
photo courtesy of NAAC
I am in complete awe in how quickly and professionally NAAC created their mission statement, by-laws, articulated community needs, shared ideas, created a logo, designed a website and worked together/ Even more inspiring, NAAC has created a Pledge that we are all invited to join in our work towards creating a better world for those managing and living with life threatening food allergies and anaphylaxis. We are all invited to join our voices together. When I look back at the resources available 12 years ago when my son was diagnosed to this very moment in time, I smile. We’ve come a long way and with each day we take steps closer towards a cure, inclusion, education and safety.
Image courtesy of all-free-downloads.com
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!..
There’s much work to do in many different angels…if we all do a little, we can accomplish a lot!
Dana, exactly! Just look at what you all are doing in Vegas…impressive! Please share with others!
I agree! Having this kind of knowledge and “lifeline” is something that makes us feel stronger and safer. So glad there are people like them who are here to help.
It’s comforting for me to know that I have a group I can turn to who can connect me with like minded. Well, actually, I can simply look at the pledge wall and see my “homies”. GREAT post on your blog too about the 20 things you never thought you would say!!!
Thank you for letting me know about this, Caroline! I did sign the pledge, put the badge on my blog and spread the word! What a great thing this is! We have come a long way, and we’re destined to go even further with groups such as this! 🙂
I just wanted you to know that I am hosting a link-up on my Fibro, Fit and Fab! blog that gives you a chance to highlight your friends by either linking up their blog or a post on your blog by them or about them. During the link-up, I am highlighting my friends as well, and today, you are one I chose to highlight. 🙂 You are a great friend and mentor to me, and I feel blessed to know you! I hope you can stop by later and join in the fun, but it’s ok if you can’t. Either way, you’re still wonderful! 🙂
Have a great day!
Thanks for Sharing Julie…you are far too kind! I am determined to learn links, you know me…slow sometimes on the techno stuff!!! GREAT on the badge too!
You’re welcome, Caroline! 🙂 I wouldn’t say it if it weren’t true. Link-ups are not too bad, but can be tricky if you don’t know how they work. I think you’d get it. There’s some decent ones out there that take a lot of the guess work out of it for you. I can always try to help you out with it if you decide you want to do it sometime, just drop me an email. 🙂 I’ll help in any way that I can.