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 alongside this incredibly passionate group of advocates. —Jill Mindlin
We were honored to join Allergy Advocates NY at the Capitol to advocate for legislation supporting the food allergy community. As a food allergy family, it was especially meaningful to stand together, share our experiences, and help ensure that the voices of patients and families are part of the conversation. Thank you for hosting, and we look forward to next year! —Amanda Whitehouse
My kids had a lovely time at the Capitol. For the longest time, my 8-year-old son Ibrahim has had only one dream: to be an international soccer player.
However, with the impact and the advocacy day and having a chance to see firsthand how the work we do is important, and not to mention having a chance to sit in a senator's chair, he was able to visualize another career for himself. He now wants to be a senator one day to help pass bills that affect the community. He still wants to be like Ronaldo too.
Thank you to Allergy Advocates NY for giving him and his sisters the space and opportunity to advocate for themselves and all future kids in New York. —Amal Abdi
My daughter and I enjoy our annual trip to Food Allergy Awareness Day in Albany. She's currently home schooled and this is an excellent way to foster civic engagement. She also made a new friend while sharing their food allergy stories with legislators and walking the Capitol halls. How great of a friend origin story is that! —Melissa M.
As a first-time attendee I was impressed by the commitment and determination of advocates working to make New York safer for those with severe allergies. Equally striking was the close-knit community they have created—one built not only on advocacy, but on friendship, understanding, and the shared experience of navigating life-threatening allergies every day. —Kristen Stewart
For the last 15 years, the safety of those managing allergies require all of us to use whatever skills we have to bring our life experience to the attention of legislators who can make change possible. —Toni Taylor
This year’s Food Allergy Awareness Day New York feels especially meaningful for us. As we celebrate our 15th anniversary, we can’t help but look back in gratitude — and a combination of disbelief and humility — at how far this community has come together. From the Emergency Allergy Treatment Act of 2016 which makes our Epi Near You New York program possible to large venue stocking and epi price cap in 2024, all New Yorkers managing life-threatening allergies are safer as they move through their communities. We look forward to continuing this work. —Jon Terry
Thanks to all the advocates who joined us. We'd love to welcome even more next year!
About the Author
Kristen Stewart is the Communications Manager for Allergy Advocates New York, where she writes about allergies, anaphylaxis, advocacy, and practical resources for individuals, families, and communities.