FAAN Walk for Food Allergy in Tucson, Arizona Looking for a Youth and Parent Honorary Walk Chair

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tucson, Arizona, United States of America (Free-Press-Release.com) November 25, 2011 -- Tucson, Arizona, November 25, 2011 – In recognition that often the most powerful messengers are children, FAAN (the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network) is delighted to announce we will be selecting one child from the food allergy community of Tucson to represent their peers at the 2012 Walk. In addition, we will also be selecting one parent from the Tucson food allergy community.

The Local Honorary Youth & Parent Chair program provides an opportunity to increase local awareness and understanding of the effects food allergy and anaphylaxis on children in the local community. The program focuses on the story of a local youth and parent, showcasing their experiences with food allergies at home, in school, and with friends. The Chair speaks on behalf of all the local children who live with food allergies, or in the case of the parent on behalf of all parents of children with food allergies.

The Local Honorary Youth & Parent Chair are personally affected by food allergies and are interested in educating others about the seriousness of food allergies. The Youth (with parental guidance and permission) and Parent Chairs, will need to be willing to invest reasonable time and energy above and beyond merely attending the Walk. They will serve as a representative of the Walk and agree to:

• be a team captain and create a team web page,
• promote the Walk within his/her school, family, and friends,

• share his/her personal story with the community and local media when appropriate, and
• attend the Walk and be willing to join the local honorary chairs on stage, or provide remarks, based on the wishes of the Walk chair and the level of comfort of the Local Honorary Youth and Parent Chairs.
In return, FAAN will provide:
• recognition on the corresponding Walk webpage, including photo,
• stage presence at the Walk event
• recognition on print materials, and
• a medal commemorating his/her volunteer activities.

Youth & Parent Chairs may speak at public or organizational events and may be interviewed for radio, television, or print media. FAAN will provide Youth & Parent Chairs with talking points and key messages for speaking engagements. This commitment will cover the eight–week period leading to the event through the day of the Walk, and may include some time after the Walk for follow-up stories.

Those interested in applying to be a Local Honorary Youth & Parent Chair for their local FAAN Walk for Food Allergy must submit an application (located in this section) and an essay of 500 words or fewer describing their personal experience with food allergies and anaphylaxis and why they feel they would make the best Ambassador for their community. They should also include any notable public speaking experience.

The Honorary Local Youth Chair must be at least 7 years old by the submission deadline. Submission packet and application available here: http://arizonafoodallergy.org/uploads/2/8/6/2/2862578/honorary_youth_chair_packet_tucson.pdf. The deadline is December 31, 2011. All entries must be emailed to jessica@arizonafoodallergy.org.

To register for FAAN’s Walk for Food Allergy individually or as part of a team, visit www.foodallergywalk.org.

ABOUT FAAN

Founded in 1991, FAAN (the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network) is the world leader in information, programs, and resources about food allergy, a potentially life-threatening medical condition that afflicts approximately 12 million Americans, or one out of every 25. A nonprofit organization based in Fairfax, Va., FAAN has approximately 30,000 members in the U.S., Canada, and 62 other countries. It is dedicated to raising public awareness, providing advocacy and education, and advancing research on behalf of all those affected by food allergies and anaphylaxis. FAAN provides information and educational resources about food allergy to patients, their families, schools, health professionals, pharmaceutical companies, the food industry, and government officials. For more information, please visit FAAN at www.foodallergy.org.

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ABOUT THE ARIZONA FOOD ALLERGY ALLIANCE

Founded in 2011, The Arizona Food Allergy Alliance is a statewide support group dedicated to improving the lives of those affected by food allergy in the State of Arizona. We sustain the common interests of members through education, support, and advocacy. It is our goal to bring awareness, understanding, and safety within families and communities by providing educational resources, personal networking experiences, and opportunities for community involvement. Thus, we hope that every person that visits will connect, learn and succeed. For more information, please visit AFAA at www.arizonafoodallergy.org.

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