Food Allergy Ball

Emeril was there. So were some of the Kennedys. Dr. Hugh Sampson attended the event as well.

Last night, the 12th annual Food Allergy Ball was held at The Waldorf Astoria in New York City. This is a benefit to raise money for Food Allergy Initiative (FAI). Tables were available for $50,000, $25,000 and $15,000, with individual tickets going for $5,000, $2,500 and $1,500. A little too rich for my wallet, but I hope they raised a boatload of money!

FAI, founded in 1998 by a group of concerned parents, is the largest private source of funding for food allergy research in the United States. Their goal is to fund research that seeks a cure. They also put money toward improving diagnosis and treatment and keeping patients safe through education and advocacy.

The FAI site is filled with lots of helpful information. It's worth checking out.

Have we Cured Food Allergies in Mice?

New York City's Mount Sinai School of Medicine is involved in human trials after use of a Chinese herbal remedy was found to protect mice from allergic reactions from peanuts. In fact, the research team has shown the formula protects mice against other food allergies including tree nut, fish and shellfish. An herbal remedy to treat asthma is also being tested in the human trials.

Read the whole exciting account in the Feb. 13, 2009 issue of U.S. News and World Report.

Let's keep our fingers crossed that this herb is just as effective for humans. This could be BIG!