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“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. - - - Margaret Mead
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Greetings Everyone,
Having school-wide plans and procedures in place for the care of children with life-threatening food allergies, 504 Plans and Individual Health Plans need to be created and updated by parents and schools.
Academic focus, the thrill of learning new lessons, making new friends and taking part in fun recreational activities offered by schools should be the main focus for ALL children in the school environment. Children should never be worried on whether their school environment is safe for them.
We have seen growing numbers of Vermont schools now taking the proactive approach to creating safer environments for children with life-threatening food allergies, and we applaud all of them. We’ve had the wonderful opportunity to meet so many school nurses and childcare providers that are now clearly understanding food allergies and the consequences of what could happen when a child comes into contact or ingests the allergen to which they are allergic, and these school nurses are working very hard in creating the best procedures to reduce the risk of allergen exposure to these students and ensuring that proper emergency response plans are in order.
Whether it is because of the legislation we spear-headed ACT 158 “An Act Relating to Life-threatening Allergies and Chronic Illnesses in Schools” (passed into law May, 2006, effective July 1, 2006) or just the awareness that has been created in Vermont that has our communities paying more attention to this chronic illness, the fact is that we are seeing more pro-activity in our state as it relates to food allergies and for parents of children with food allergies, this helps lessen their anxiety, especially when contemplating sending their children off into the care of others for several hours per day.
We want to share a few comments below that we have received from some families and schools that we have assisted this past year. We look forward to continuing our commitment of support, education and creating awareness as we continue to assist those in need of our services.
--- MaryKay Hill, Founder & Director, Vermont Food Allergy Organization
“Thank you for your great work!” (school nurse)
“I hope I am not being a pest, I just don’t have anyone to talk too about these things, (food allergies). Thank you very much for all your time and support.” (parent)
“Thanks for encouraging my daughter. I am trying to encourage her to learn more about her allergy.” (parent)
“I spoke with Vermont Food Allergy Organization about my daughter’s issues and what to possibly expect, and they were right.” (parent)
“Thanks for the help and your encouraging words.” (parent)
“Thank you! It helps me to relax a bit about eating habits.” (parent
“...it is so difficult living with the fact that our son’s life could be taken from us with just a trace of a tree nut, thank you for all the help and support you have given us.” (parent)
“Because of your work with us and our school, we are feeling much less anxious.” (parent)
“So glad I have extra support to guide me during this process. It’s very scary, but nice to know I am not alone.” (parent)
“When I contacted your organization, you were a god-send to us, it is comforting to know that you are there to talk to and to lend your support when we need you.” (parent)
“Vermont Food Allergy Organization has touched many lives individually and institutionally in a positive, effective manner.” (school nurse)
“...we all feel sensitized to the issues around food allergies because of the time you took to educate us to the scope of the problem.” (legislator)
“It is organizations as yours that help make living daily life with severe food allergies more tolerable.” (parent)
“The work you are doing is wonderful! I am so happy that you are here for families and school staff.” (school nurse)
“It’s wonderful to have your organization right here in Vermont to assist us with meeting the needs of these children in our schools.” (school nurse)
“Your work for the kids and parents in this state is invaluable and much appreciated.” (school nurse)
“It’s great to have wonderful people dedicated to help educate our government about the seriousness and the impacts it has on our families and schools.” (parent)
“Thanks so much for your help in educating childcare providers about food allergies.” (childcare provider)
“Thank you SO much for your prompt response! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate it! You have been such a wonderful asset to our program!” (childcare provider)
“I sincerely think you guys are one of the top support groups in the US--it's so organized and pulled together. Very professional!” - (parent)
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