FREE, Family-Friendly Event to Bring Awareness to Food Allergies on Saturday, May 18

May 1, 2013 Press Releases

food-allergies-bugabeesThe Bugabees” book series, in collaboration with Dean Clinic and St. Mary’s Hospital will host a free open house to promote food allergy awareness from 10 AM – Noon at St. Mary’s Hospital.

The event will take place during national food allergy awareness week, May 12 – 18.  The theme for the event is Passport to Food Allergy Awareness, Destination: kid-friendly fun!  It is a family friendly event for anyone who has food allergies, or anyone that knows someone with food allergies, and can benefit from the educational and entertaining activities.

  • Story time with “The Bugabees” and author Amy Recob
  • “Ask the Expert” question and answer opportunities with a Dean Clinic board certified allergist
  • Kids arts and crafts activities with Learning Express Toys
  • Goodie bags with allergen-free samples and fun giveaways

“I know firsthand that living with a child who has a food allergy can be stressful and overwhelming at times,” says Amy Recob, author.  “Having the ability to attend fun and educational events like this one is important.  Not only is it a chance for my child to see she’s not alone, it’s also an opportunity for her friends and family to gain valuable information that will ultimately keep her safe and healthy.”

“Food allergies can be life threatening,” says Dean Clinic Allergist, Reid Olson, MD.  “Because they  can be deadly, it is really important that everyone is informed about the dangers.  Not just those living with food allergies, but everyone.”

It is estimated that close to 1 in 13 children suffer from food allergies in the United States.  In the most severe cases, food allergies can cause a dangerous reaction where the release of histamine and other chemicals may cause swelling, difficulty breathing, heart failure, circulatory collapse, or even death.

“The Bugabees” books were written by Amy Recob to help educate the public about food allergies.  Bugabee characters offer an optimistic approach to managing food allergies by focusing on all things they can have, opposed to those they can’t.

Free parking for event attendees is available in the St. Mary’s parking ramp. Otherwise enter the hospital though the main entrance and follow the signs to the Conference Center.

Click here to see BugaBee_Passport_Flyer.

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