A Caped Crusade

Last weekend I participated in the 2017 FARE Walk for Food Allergies at CBS Studio Center in Studio City, CA. Similar to last year, there were a couple hundred attendees — many of which were children. Because this year’s walk was branded as FARE’s Food Allergy Heroes Walk, many superheroes were in attendance, including Batman, Spiderman, Iron Man, and Wonder Woman. The kids loved it. They also loved the capes given to them as they approached the registration area — every superhero-in-training needs a cape, right?

Lining the registration area were allergy-friendly vendors giving out free product samples — ZEGO fruit bars, Enjoy Life chewy bars, Nice ‘N Clean wipes, and more. This is one of my favorite aspects of the walk — being introduced to allergy-free brands that I can add into my rotation.

One of my favorite booths was for EpiPen training, which is so invaluable. Whenever I tell someone about my food allergies, they immediately ask if I have an EpiPen, but then quickly admit that they have no idea how to use one. As simple as the administration of an EpiPen is (once you’re educated), many people just are not exposed to it. I am so thankful to FARE for making this a priority.

I hope that each year participation in the FARE Walk for Food Allergies continues to grow. Not only will this increase food allergy awareness and education, but it will also help to raise money to support FARE’s efforts. This year, my fundraising earned my team a spot on the official walk T-shirt — shout-out to supporters of team “Nope Can’t Eat That Either.” I could not have done it without you.

Check out some snapshots of the experience below and be sure to check the FARE website for a walk in a city near you!