And Our Allergy Action Awards Honorees Are...

Preparations are underway for our upcoming Allergy Action Awards on Thursday, October 8th from 6:30 to 10 p.m. at The Strong in Rochester. (Register here to join us!)

In addition to celebrating our 15th anniversary, we’re honoring seven incredible people who are making a difference for those living with life-threatening allergies. Through advocacy, education, leadership, and their own lived experiences, each has helped make our communities safer and more inclusive.

We’re excited to introduce our 2026 honorees and share a little about the work behind their impact.

Ruth T. Cornell Award

Jill Mindlin and Stacey Saiontz

The Ruth T. Cornell Award is named in memory of co-founder Jon Terry’s sister, Ruth, who experienced a fatal anaphylactic reaction to a bee sting—an allergy she did not know she had. It recognizes one or more individuals whose advocacy has made a significant impact on the safety and well-being of individuals and families living with life-threatening allergies.

This year's recipients are moms—and lawyers—Jill Mindlin and Stacey Saiontz who have been supporting the food allergy community, championing research, and advocating for legal changes to improve allergy safety since their children were diagnosed with life-threatening allergies about 20 years ago.

They have also been indispensable advisors to our organization from our earliest days, helping shape our focus and direction and working side by side with us for years. Their effort, dedication, and thoughtful guidance have been critical to our growth and accomplishments. We would not be where we are today without them.

John J. Condemi Award

Dr. Jessica Stern

Dr. John J. Condemi was a physician and researcher who made advancements in the study and treatment of allergies, asthma, immunology, and rheumatology. He also founded Allergy and Asthma Immunology of Rochester (AAIR) and Infusion Center along with several other organizations. This award honors an individual for outstanding community engagement and volunteer service that has enhanced medical treatment and research efforts to improve life, health, and hope for the food allergy community.

This year's awardee is Dr. Jessica Stern who is a researcher and associate professor of Medicine and Pediatrics in the divisions of Pediatric Allergy and Immunology and Allergy/Immunology and Rheumatology at the University of Rochester School of Medicine & Dentistry.

In addition to her busy professional obligations, Dr. Stern volunteers for us as an Epi Near You New York presenter, helping organizations learn to recognize the signs of anaphylaxis and stock non-patient-specific epinephrine. We appreciate her willingness to share her time and expertise to help make New York state safer for everyone.

Nancy Sander Award

Angel and George Mueller

Nancy Sander started a newsletter in 1985 to provide information to fellow parents of children with allergies and asthma. It grew to become the Allergy & Asthma Network, a national nonprofit organization. The Nancy Sander Award recognizes those who are either beginning to make their mark as advocates, much as Nancy did when she started her journey, or individuals and organizations whose advocacy has made a significant impact on the national level.

This year's recipients are Angel and George Mueller of Wisconsin, founders of the Dillon Mueller Memorial Fund, a nonprofit organization to honor their son who tragically died from a severe allergic reaction to a bee sting. His life likely could have been saved if he had received timely access to epinephrine.

In the years since, they have advocated in state legislatures across the country for laws to increase access to epinephrine. They also train community groups and organizations through the Do It for Dillon Anaphylaxis Certification Program, teaching individuals how to carry epinephrine and administer it to anyone in need. They have trained more than 3,000 people in their home state and provide the program free of charge.

We are thrilled to recognize Angel and George, who have taken an unfathomable loss and turned it into something that has saved multiple lives through their epinephrine training program and helped enact meaningful change through their legislative advocacy.

Empire State Allergy Action Award

Assemblymember Jen Lunsford and Senator Andrew Gounardes

The Empire State Allergy Action Award honors New York State legislators who demonstrate outstanding leadership, collaboration, and determination in helping pass laws that protect residents from life-threatening allergies.

Assemblymember Jen Lunsford represents the 135th Assembly District which includes the towns of Penfield, East Rochester, Perinton, Pittsford, and Mendon. She has called Monroe County home since 2009.

New York State Senator Andrew Gounardes represents the 26th State Senate District, which includes the neighborhoods of Bay Ridge, Dyker Heights, Sunset Park, Red Hook, Park Slope, Gowanus, Carroll Gardens, Boerum Hill, Cobble Hill, Downtown Brooklyn, Fort Greene, Brooklyn Heights, Vinegar Hill, and DUMBO.

We are grateful to both legislators for their work supporting allergy-safety legislation. Each was instrumental in the passage of laws related to improved food labeling and public access to stock epinephrine in large venues.

An Evening of Celebration

Also joining us will be longtime MC Brenda Tremblay of WXXI Classical who will host the evening’s ceremonies.

Entertainment will be provided by Melissa Mueller-Douglas, LMSW, founder of MYRetreat and creator of Chocolate Mindfulness. As an allergy mom herself, she understands that eating requires constant awareness for families living with food allergies.

In honor of our 15th anniversary, she will lead a Chocolate Mindfulness experience that transforms eating from a source of anxiety into a moment of confidence, connection, and celebration. Guests will have the opportunity to slow down, practice mindful ingredient awareness, savor allergy-friendly desserts, and celebrate how far this community has come.

Register now for an evening of appreciation and support featuring hearty appetizers, the chance to explore The Strong’s Pixel Landing and High Score Room, and the opportunity to connect with other allergy advocates, healthcare professionals, legislators, and community leaders dedicated to making life safer for those living with food allergies.

We look forward to seeing you on Thursday, October 8th!

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.