Albany

Fourteen-year-old Jane Weber shared that she has needed to use epinephrine 11 times to save her life. Devin Sailer, 18, reminded everyone of the additional impact severe allergies can have on rural populations who lack some of the financial resources of their urban counterparts and often struggle with access to food, medicine, and transportation. These were but two of many meaningful moments as Allergy Advocates New York joined legislators, families, and community advocates in Albany at our annual Food Allergy Awareness Day on May 18th. The event highlighted the urgent need for policies pro…

Our annual Food Allergy Awareness Day in Albany is about more than legislation. It's about bringing together the people most affected by life-threatening allergies and giving them an opportunity to share their stories directly with lawmakers. For many attendees, the day was also an opportunity to connect with others who understand those experiences firsthand. We asked advocates to reflect on what the day meant to them, what stood out most, and why they believe advocacy matters. Here are their thoughts.      What a beautiful day to make change!  Such an honor advocating…

For over a decade, Allergy Advocates New York and individuals living with life-threatening allergies have traveled to the state capitol in Albany each year to advance legislation that keeps everyone safer—and to share firsthand what it’s like to live with severe allergies. The day includes scheduled 20- to 30-minute meetings with state Senate and Assembly members and their staffs, during which children and adults describe the daily challenges they face at school and in their communities. We also organize a press conference and host an information table. While some officials have personal ex…