Food Allergy Awareness Walk at Mall of America on Saturday, March 20, 2010

Minneapolis, MN, March 19, 2010 --(PR.com)-- The 2nd Annual Food Allergy Awareness Walk will be on Saturday, March 20 at the Mall of America, starting at 8 am. The walk will raise funds for the Anaphylaxis and Food Allergy Association of Minnesota (AFAA) outreach programs and will increase food allergy awareness in the community. Walkers should meet in the Macy’s courtyard.

The walk includes entertainment by Canadian musician Kyle Dine, who has food allergies and a CD, "You Must Be Nuts!" that contains songs to educate and empower those dealing with food allergies. Learn more at www.KyleDine.com.

Also at the walk will be St. Paul Saints' Baseball Team Mascot, Mudonna - a costumed bright pink pig - and Royalty from 4 communities.

Printable walk registration forms are available online at www.minnesotafoodallergy.org. Individuals and teams may also create their own pledge page at http://www.firstgiving.com/afaamn.

Donations can be submitted online, or in person the day of the walk.

Participants of any age and ability are encouraged to create teams with family members, friends, co-workers and neighbors. There will be prizes for the largest team and the team raising the most donations. Walkers who earn at least $50.00 in donations will be awarded a Food Allergy Awareness Walk t-shirt with its unique logo and slogan. Additional prizes will be awarded for higher donation levels.

The Walk route and restroom facilities are wheelchair and stroller accessible. Walkers can walk as long or short as they choose.

Approximately 200,000 Minnesotans, including 30,000 school-age children, have food allergies. It is estimated that 12 million Americans suffer from food allergies and that 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 50,000 emergency room visits and 150-200 deaths per year in the U.S. from severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis) to food alone. Reactions can include hives, throat constriction, respiratory distress, vomiting, edema (e.g. swelling of throat, tongue, lips, face), blood pressure drop and shock. A mild allergic reaction can escalate to anaphylaxis in as little as two minutes.

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

Proceeds from the Food Allergy Awareness Walk will go to the Anaphylaxis and Food Allergy Association of Minnesota (AFAA). AFAA is a volunteer-run Minnesota 501(c)3 non-profit organization with school, restaurant and medical policy accomplishments (including universal epinephrine availability in Minnesota ambulances; immediate access to epinephrine for allergic students in schools); allergen-free activities for children and families; and widespread educational outreach efforts.

For answers to AFAA questions, email them at info@minnesotafoodallergy.org

###