LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim October 11, 2009, as Food Allergy Walk Day in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, The State of New York takes great pride in recognizing serious
health concerns, proclaiming official days to increase awareness of such
concerns which affect the lives of many New Yorkers; and
WHEREAS, A food allergy is an immune system response to a food the
body mistakenly believes is harmful; once the immune system decides that
a particular food is harmful, it creates specific antibodies to it; the
next time the individual eats that food, the immune system releases
massive amounts of chemicals, including histamine, in order to protect
the body; and
WHEREAS, These chemicals trigger a cascade of allergic symptoms which
can affect the respiratory system, gastrointestinal tract, skin, or
cardiovascular system; scientists estimate that approximately 12 million
Americans, including at least three million children and thousands of
New Yorkers, suffer from true food allergies; and
WHEREAS, There is currently no cure for food allergies and strict
avoidance is the only way to prevent a reaction; and
WHEREAS, The Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) was estab-
lished in 1991 to raise public awareness, to provide advocacy and educa-
tion, and to advance research on behalf of all those affected by food
allergy and anaphylaxis, a serious allergic reaction that is rapid in
onset and may cause death; and
WHEREAS, Many of the research studies the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis
Network has sponsored and helped support have resulted in a greater
understanding of the clinical and social issues affecting individuals
with food allergies; and
WHEREAS, An outstanding resource in learning to live with and manage
food allergies, FAAN's membership includes families, dietitians, nurses,
physicians, school staff, representatives from government agencies, and
the food and pharmaceutical industries; it serves as the communication
link between the patient and others; and
WHEREAS, FAAN conducts annual Food Allergy Conferences, Food Allergy
Walk Days, and many other events each year, and participates in numerous
health fairs to help inform and educate families and others; its educa-
tional videos and publications are designed to help families, school
administrators, camp staff, and restaurant personnel improve their
understanding of food allergy and anaphylaxis so the condition can be
managed more efficiently and effectively; and
WHEREAS, This Legislative Body recognizes the critical importance of
educating the public and of increasing awareness of food allergies, from
which thousands of New Yorkers suffer; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim October 11, 2009, as
Food Allergy Walk Day in the State of New York; and be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New
York, and to the organizers of the Food Allergy Walk Day in Nassau Coun-
ty.