Food Allergy Benefit Concert

St. Paul, MN, February 06, 2009 --(PR.com)-- Accomplished teen musician - pianist Reed Tetzloff - will be performing a benefit concert on February 8th to raise funds and awareness for food allergies. Reed, age 17, has multiple life-threatening food allergies.

The Feb. 8th concert will be held at St. Anthony Park Lutheran Church, 2323 Como Avenue, in St. Paul, Minnesota. The concert begins at 7 p.m., and a silent auction at 6 p.m.

Reed Tetzloff has won numerous awards across the U.S. and has performed with professional orchestras.

Approximately 30,000 Minnesota school-age children have food allergies. It is estimated that between 6 and 7 million Americans suffer from food allergies, and the number of affected individuals is rising.

Milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts (almonds, hazelnuts, walnut, etc.), fish, shellfish, soy, and wheat are the most common allergens. Allergies to other foods are less common, but can be equally as serious.

There are approximately 30,000 emergency room visits and 150-200 deaths per year in the U.S. from severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) to food alone. Reactions can range from hives to throat constriction, respiratory distress, vomiting, edema, blood pressure drop and shock. A mild allergic reaction can escalate to anaphylaxis within 2 minutes.

There is no cure for food allergies; avoidance is the only way to prevent an allergic reaction.

Proceeds from the concert and silent auction will go to the Anaphylaxis and Food Allergy Association of Minnesota (AFAA). AFAA is a Minnesota 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose accomplishments include universal epinephrine availability in MN ambulances; immediate access to epinephrine for allergic students in schools; allergen-free activities for children and families; and widespread educational outreach efforts.

For more information about the concert and silent auction, contact Annette Marquez, 651.405.0392 or afaa@att.net.

For AFAA Media Kit, Biographies of Reed Tetzloff, see www.minnesotafoodallergy.org/concert.

AFAA is a state-wide Minnesota 501(c)3 non-profit organization whose mission is to educate, advocate, and to support those with life-threatening food allergies.

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