Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., Announces New FAI Advocacy Steering Committee
On May 14, during Food Allergy Awareness Week, Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., member of the Board of Directors of the Food Allergy Initiative (FAI), announced the formation of FAI’s Advocacy Steering Committee. The committee’s objectives are to help build a strong nationwide presence for the food allergy community, and to actively seek to increase food allergy research. Scientists believe that with proper funding, a cure can be found in less than a decade.
The new steering committee comprises 16 leading parent advocates nationwide who confront the daily dangers of raising children with severe food allergies.
“FAI is tremendously honored and grateful to have such an esteemed group of parents who are willing to join our effort to find a cure,” said Kennedy. “These parents are proven advocates and support group leaders in their local communities. We are thrilled to add their energy and expertise to our advocacy program.”
Steering committee members include:
- Gina Clowes, Chair – AllergyMoms; Cranberry Township, PA
- Denise Bunning – Mothers of Children Having Allergies; Lake Forest, IL
- Nicole Smith – Allergic Child; Colorado Springs, CO
- Sue Wagner & Carol D’Agnese – San Diego Food Allergy; San Diego, CA
- Rhonda Riggott Stevens– Education & Advocacy Solutions; Durham, CT
- Debbie Hogan – Parents of Children with Food Allergies; Tampa, FL
- Maria Acebal – Safe at School Partners, Bethesda, MD
- Nona Narvaez – Anaphylaxis and Food Allergy Association of Minnesota; St. Paul, MN
- Barbara Calluori– Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Coalition of New Jersey; Nutley, NJ
- Sari Canell – Food Allergy Educational Alliance; Scarsdale, NY
- Chris Hardy – Parents of Allergic Kids; Charlotte, NC
- MaryKay Hill – Vermont Food Allergy Organization; Shelburne, VT
- Sally Porter – Food Allergy Initiative Northwest; Sammamish, WA
- Meg Goss & Sheree Godwin – Food Allergy Association of Wisconsin; Madison, WI
“I am very pleased to take part in FAI’s new steering committee,” said Committee Chair Gina Clowes. “For 11 years FAI has led the way in funding research to find a cure to this life-threatening disease. Nothing is more important to me and millions of other parents who wish they could take their children to restaurants, birthday parties and school cafeterias without living in constant fear of exposure to potentially deadly allergens like peanuts,tree nuts, milk, eggs and wheat.”
“My fellow committee members are the best and brightest advocates from all over the country,” Clowes continued. “Every day they are out in their communities making a difference for families with food allergies. As a group, we will devote our attention, resources and expertise toward making sure that researchers have the resources to find a cure.”