ELKHART, Ind. (WLKI)- For Lindsey Siciliano, food-allergy awareness is personal.
Her daughter, Lidia, has life-threatening allergies to eggs and peanuts. The family carries an epinephrine auto-injector, maintains an emergency action plan and takes extra precautions during everyday activities that may be simple for other families.
Now, Siciliano is inviting the community to learn more through a Food Allergy Awareness Walk scheduled for Saturday in downtown Elkhart.
The walk will begin at 9 a.m. at Central Green. Registration is $20 and remains open online.
Siciliano organized the event to raise awareness about food allergies, encourage safer practices and help families better understand the importance of inclusion at holidays, school events, birthday parties and other gatherings.
Food allergies affect millions of Americans, including about one in 13 children, according to figures cited by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
For families managing severe allergies, accidental exposure can be dangerous and can require immediate medical attention.
Sr. Christina Barnes, an allergist and immunologist with the South Bend Clinic, said preparation is an important part of helping protect people with food allergies.
"It's really important to have a plan in place," Barnes said. "Having an epinephrine in some form -- whether that's an auto injector or a nasal spray -- having that with you at all times, because sometimes accidents just happen, even in the most careful families."
Siciliano partnered with the South Bend Clinic, where Lidia receives treatment, to help bring the event together.
The walk has already raised more than $1,000. A portion of the proceeds will support the Teal Pumpkin Project, a national initiative that encourages households to offer non-food, allergy-safe treats during Halloween.
Families participating in the project often place a teal-colored pumpkin outside their home to show they have options such as stickers, small toys, pencils or other non-food items available for trick-or-treaters.
Additional money raised through the Elkhart event will be directed toward local food-allergy awareness and outreach efforts.
For Siciliano, the goal is not only to help people recognize the risks associated with food allergies, but also to make sure children and adults with allergies do not feel left out.
"I'm excited for people to think next time, 'Okay, I have a family member that has food allergies. How can I include them at Halloween, Christmas, Thanksgiving, birthday parties, all the things,'" Siciliano said.
She said greater awareness can make a meaningful difference for families navigating food allergies every day.
Registration information for the Food Allergy Awareness Walk is available online through the event page.
Source: WNDU and Food Allergy Awareness Run/Walk event organizers