FAI Northwest
c/o FAI National
1414 Avenue of the Americas
Suite1804
New York, NY 10019-2514
Phone: 212-207-1974
E-mail: FAINorthwest@faiusa.org
FAI Northwest was founded in 2006 by a group of dedicated local parents who wanted to heighten food allergy awareness while raising funds to find a cure. Every FAI Northwest member has a child with a life-threatening food allergy, has a food allergy him/herself, or is a physician who treats food-allergic patients. In addition to supporting cutting-edge research worldwide, we are committed to training and educating the staff at schools, day care centers, and camps throughout the region. We also have participated in the development of statewide guidelines that help keep food-allergic children safe in school. We urge friends, families, and medical professionals throughout the Pacific Northwest to become involved in our efforts.
If you would like to make a tax-deductible donation in support of FAI Northwest’s community education and research funding initiatives, please click here.
SPECIAL EVENTS
The FAI Northwest Annual Benefit Dinner, launched in 2007, raises funds and builds public awareness of the seriousness of food allergies and FAI activities. Each year, four awards are presented to individuals and schools for their commitment to people with life-threatening food allergies. Past honorees include Mark Britton, CEO of Avvo, Inc., and one of Seattle Business Monthly’s 2007 “Top 25 Innovators” and his wife, Brigid, famed software developer Anders Hejlsberg, a Microsoft Technical Fellow, and Wally Walker, former NBA player and longtime executive with the Seattle SuperSonics and Storm. Jonathan Sundstrom (Lark), Thierry Rautureau (Rover’s) and Tom Douglas (Dahlia Lounge, Palace Kitchen, Lola and many more) received the Lifetime Achievement Award, which honors a prominent chef or restaurateur who is committed to food allergy restaurant training. The Nathan Walters Leadership Award, which recognizes a school for its exceptional performance in creating a safe environment for food-allergic children, has been presented to the Villa Academy, Loyal Heights Elementary and Bertschi schools. The award is named in memory of a nine-year-old Spokane boy who had a fatal allergic reaction to peanuts on a school trip. Finally, the Food Allergy Advocacy Award, which acknowledges individuals committed to public policy initiatives that benefit people with food allergies, has been presented to parent advocates Michael San Soucie, Sara Shannon and Kelly Morgan. The event has raised more than $1,000,000 over the past three years.
- Learn more about the 2010 Annual Benefit Dinner (May 14, 2010), honoring Chef Mark Fuller of Spring Hill.
- Download the application form for the 2010 Nathan Walters Leadership Award.
RESEARCH
In 2008, FAI Northwest sponsored its first research grant, a project at the University of Washington School of Medicine.
EDUCATION PROGRAMS
FAI Northwest’s comprehensive food allergy education and community outreach program has two components:
Educational Materials for Hospital Emergency Rooms
Since 2007, FAI volunteers have been distributing patient education materials to hospital emergency rooms throughout Washington State. Participating hospitals currently include: Evergreen Hospital, Harborview Medical Center, Overlake Hospital Medical Center, the Family Medical Center at Seattle Children’s Hospital and Regional Medical Center, Swedish Medical Center, Valley General Hospital, and Virginia Mason Medical Center (all in metropolitan Seattle); Central Washington Hospital (Wenatchee); Mary Bridge Children’s Hospital and St. Joseph’s Hospital (Tacoma); Olympic Medical Center (Port Angeles); and Sacred Heart Children’s Hospital (Spokane).
Food Allergy Community Health Educator
FAI Northwest is funding this new position in partnership with Seattle Children's Hospital. In addition to seeing pediatric allergy patients, this full-time health professional will provide training and educational presentations to staff, parents, and students at schools, day care centers, nursery schools, and camps.
PUBLIC POLICY
FAI Northwest assisted with the successful effort to pass legislation that protects Washington State schoolchildren who suffer from life-threatening food allergies. On March 26, 2008, Governor Gregoire signed SB 6556 into law. This landmark legislation requires the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction to develop guidelines that manage the risk of food allergy and anaphylaxis in schools throughout the state. FAI Northwest has also assisted with the development of the school guidelines.
FAI NORTHWEST COMMITTEE
Sumi Almquist
Joanne Barber
Terri Blair
Brigid Britton
Jeannine Christofilis
Dr. Mary Farrington
Sally Feldman
Elise Purcell & Mark Flippo
Stephanie Giamatteo
Wendy Heipt
Julie Huard
Kerry Kozlowski
Marianne & Ron Lachini
Heather Neely McQuarrie
Carmela Mele
Sally & Jeff Porter
Sadie & Rob Raney
Dr. Ann Stapleton
Linda & Wally Walker
Margie Willett