Food allergies came into our lives almost six years ago. My eight month old son was diagnosed after he reacted to the H1N1 flu shot, which contains egg. After being tested we discovered that William was allergic to not only eggs, but dairy, peanuts and tree nuts. May is the month when we celebrate Food Allergy Awareness and what better way to spread that awareness then with a conference. 
This year marks the 8th Annual Anaphylaxis Canada Community Conference and it takes place on Saturday, May 23rd. The conference is being held at a very appropriate location, the Ontario Science Centre in Toronto. At the conference you will hear from leading allergy experts in the areas of research, government and food science – on current food allergy and anaphylaxis research initiatives and updates on food labelling regulations in Canada. Find out more about Anaphylaxis Canada’s leading edge educational resources for schools and the community, as well as their ongoing advocacy initiatives – improved school policies and food labelling – that will help keep those at risk safer.
Teens and young adults can join in on the half-day workshop, led by Youth Program Coordinator, Kyle Dine. This session is designed for youth with food allergies, aged 13 to 21 years, and provides an open forum for discussion and support, regarding the key issues facing this group. I can tell you that at past conferences the chance to hear what these young people had to say was well worth the cost of a ticket.
The line-up of distinguished speakers includes:
- Dr. Susan Waserman– Food Allergy Update: What’s Going On In Research?
- Dr. Peter Vadas – Epicutaneous Immunotherapy: Should We Get Excited About The Peanut Patch?
- Dr. Manel Jordana– Basic Research In Peanut Allergy: A Trip To The Roots
- Michael Abbott, Health Canada & Jodi White, Canadian Food Inspection Agency- Food Labelling & Risk Assessment: Understanding The Canadian Experience
- Dr. Joseph Baumert– Food Allergen Thresholds: What Are The Benefits To Allergic Consumers?
- Diana Royce, AllerGen NCE Inc.- National Food Allergy Strategy
- Kyle Dine & Youth Advisory Panel (YAP) members – Youth Panel- Navigating The High School Years
At the conference, you’ll have a chance to meet exhibitors and vendors who offer products and services tailored to the allergic community. You can register for the 8th Annual Anaphylaxis Canada Community Conference by heading to their site.
I can tell you that each time I have attended this conference I have not only learned something new, but come away with a new found respect for food allergy sufferers. It is well worth your time.
I had no idea there was a conference like this but it sounds so valuable. It’s so important for everyone to learn more about serious allergies – whether they have anyone in their lives directly who have them or not. Thanks for sharing.
Such a great idea to have a conference and I love that teens can take party in the workshops since there are so many today that have allergies
The best part about this is getting the youth involved. They have a voice too and I like how they are being heard.
Food allergies are such a huge part of the lives of the people affected by them. One thing I have learned from having a friend with a child with severe allergies is how it becomes more of a community issue- even if your child isn’t directly affected, we really are all involved (or at least should be- if only in awareness!)
I have never been to a conference where I didn’t come away with a feeling of community and expanding my network. With food allergies I am sure at times it can feel isolating, this would be a great way to connect with others.