food allergy awareness
what is a food allergy?
A food allergy occurs when the body has a specific and reproducible immune response to certain foods.
The body’s immune response can be severe and life-threatening, such as anaphylaxis.
Although the immune system normally protects people from germs, in people with food allergies, the immune system mistakenly responds to food as if it were harmful.
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There is no cure for food allergies.
common allergens
Although nearly any food can trigger an allergic reaction, there are ten foods that cause the majority of reactions:
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Peanut
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Milk
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Egg
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Soy
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Wheat
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Tree Nut
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Shellfish
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Fish
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Sesame
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Gluten
Cross has Level 5 Anaphylaxis to Peanuts and Tree Nuts.
symptoms of anaphylaxis
Symptoms include
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Difficulty breathing
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Reduced blood pressure (e.g., pale, weak pulse, confusion, loss of consciousness)
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Weakness or fainting
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Skin symptoms or swollen lips
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Gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., vomiting, diarrhea, cramping)
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Cross Hatfield experienced every single symptom.
how severe are food allergies?
EXTREMELY.
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Appx. 32 million people in the U.S have food allergies. 26 million of which are those 18+
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1 in 13 children have a food allergy- that's two in every classroom
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Prevalence of peanut and tree nut allergies have tripled from 1997-2008
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There are 170 foods that can cause a reaction
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A reaction sends someone to the emergency room every 3 minutes
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200,000 people require medical care every year
what is anaphylaxis?
Anaphylaxis is an extremely severe, potentially life-threatening allergic reaction that can occur within seconds or minutes to exposure to an allergen.
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Symptoms can affect several areas of the body, including breathing and blood circulation, and requires epinephrine (adrenaline) within minutes of the reaction.
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Those affected by anaphylaxis require emergency care immediately.
what is 'celebrating cross'?
Celebrating Cross is the day we celebrate our survivor!
We have music, dancing, open bar, hors d'oeuvres, dinner, silent auction, and dollar dance with the Guest of Honor!
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Through awareness and education, we pray that compassion and understanding of food allergies are a priority for all. We are forever grateful for the nurses and doctors who fought fearlessly for Cross' recovery and for the opportunity to raise money and celebrate Cross as our Brave Anaphylactic Survivor in this special event.