Q&A: Fundraising campaign scores $1 million for food allergy research, education

Key takeaways:

• Funds include $100,000 in donations from Brittany Mahomes and OWYN.
• Research will investigate the pathology of tree nut allergy.
• Patients learn that food allergy is not a voluntary dietary choice.

Food Allergy Research & Education concluded its 2023 fundraising campaign for its research and education efforts with more than $1 million.

The total included $100,000 in matched donations from Brittany Mahomes, co-owner of the Kansas City Current of the National Women’s Soccer League, and her partners at OWYN.

Mahomes and her husband Patrick, quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs in the NFL, are the parents of two children with food allergy, Patrick “Bronze” Lavon Mahome III, aged 1 year, and Sterling Skye, aged 2 years.

“I can relate to all moms and families out there that are dealing with children with severe food allergies,” Brittany Mahomes told People. “My hope for this donation is to inspire change within the food allergy community.”

Healio spoke with Craig Fontenot, MBA, vice president of institutional advancement at Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE), to find out more about the fundraising drive and how it will impact the organization’s efforts.

Healio: Could you describe FARE’s research program?

Fontenot: FARE is a leader in food allergy research. We engage in all areas of food allergy research, from benchtop discoveries in the laboratory to translational investigations in the clinic that can offer hope to patients as we work toward realizing a future free from food allergies.

Through FARE’s Clinical Network, a nationwide coalition of top food allergy centers led and coordinated by FARE, and the FARE Biobank and Biomarker Discovery Center, a central resource for biospecimens, biomarker discovery and translational research, we have developed research capabilities that are leading to new treatments and therapies for food allergy patients.

FARE’s research work also includes the FARE Data Coordination Center, which supports critical FARE Clinical Network activities for the design, development, execution, monitoring and analyses of translational research. And, the FARE Patient Registry, which collects patient-reported outcomes data offering insights into the patient’s journey and burden of disease, is the largest food allergy registry of its kind.

Collectively, our initiatives support investigations to accelerate advances in food allergy diagnosis, treatment, and prevention, as well as uncover molecular and cellular mechanisms responsible for food allergy.

For example, tree nut allergy is the fourth most common food allergy in the United States, affecting 3.9 million people. In November 2023, FARE filed a $1.2 million request for application that will be used to support research into the pathobiology underlying the development and loss of oral tolerance and reversal of tree nut allergies.

We also hope to translate these findings into new immune-based approaches to prevent and treat tree nut allergy as well as explore the molecular and functional characteristics of tree nut food allergens.

Healio: What impact will this collaboration with Brittany Mahomes and OWYN have on these efforts?

Fontenot: Living with severe food allergies is a heavy burden, creating daily challenges and stress for both the affected individuals and their families. Support from high-profile individuals and families who live with this disease is a game changer for awareness and ultimately support for research to find new treatments and cures.

Food allergies affect about 10% of Americans, and roughly one in every 13 children has a potentially life-threatening food allergy, making food allergy one of the most common chronic diseases in the country. Because this disease can result in anaphylaxis, a life-threatening condition, food allergies can have a negative impact on the quality of life of those who suffer from them. With support from Brittany Mahomes and OWYN, FARE is able to cast a light on this problem and raise critical funds to help us fight this disease.

FARE offers educational resources for patients and the public alike, including basic information about allergens and living with food allergy, how children can manage allergies in school, downloadable emergency care plans and more.

Our outreach also provides training for health care providers in addition to registered dieticians and educators, professionals in the food handling industry, and college administrators and personnel.

Healio: What impact will this collaboration have on food allergy awareness?

Fontenot: Brittany Mahomes, her family and OWYN are leading the way in helping FARE bring greater attention to a disease that affects more individuals and households each day. With few options, life with food allergies is difficult. Avoiding allergens and carrying an epinephrine autoinjector is the primary treatment option for 33 million Americans. That’s unacceptable! Food allergies can impact anyone. Through Brittany Mahomes and her family’s personal experience with food allergies, millions of her followers will understand this is a life-impacting disease and not a voluntary dietary choice.

Healio: How can doctors who are interested get involved in these research or awareness efforts?

Fontenot: Greater engagement from healthcare professionals is essential. You can contact the FARE Research team at research@foodallergy.org.

Reference:

• Brittany Mahomes tells PEOPLE about ‘terrifying’ day an allergy led son Bronze to be rushed to ER (exclusive). https://people.com/brittany-mahomes-talks-kids-food-allergies-exclusive-8411668. Accessed Jan. 8, 2024. Published Dec. 7, 2023.