Over the last year we have been inspired by the impact of
your unique talents and hard work as you continue building awareness to
FPIES. As we approach our 2nd
annual Global Day, we wish to share some of these events with everyone, in
hopes to inspire you, that you too can make a difference. “Our shoes may be small but our steps will be
BIG!”
FPIES families have always been creative, including in how
they raise awareness and fund-raise! We have had several moms using Jamberry fundraisers, and even a couple of
these moms designed the nail wraps themselves to feature FPIES awareness art.
Awareness from fingers to toes! Other moms have designed T-shirts and other
awareness gear to raise funds to further FPIES education and awareness. Their
creativity has helped fund programs to educate medical professionals about
FPIES. We want to give special shout-outs to Jessie Ipson Richens, Kate
Hutchens, Crystal Lentz, Brandi of Glam Tots, Rosie's Creations, and Half Pint
Threads!
Restaurants have joined in the cause, sponsoring family
nights and awareness days where they donate a certain percentage of sales to
The FPIES Foundation. We were touched to see photos from Jersey Mike's Subs-- a
visual reminder of how communities are really joining in the cause and reaching
out to support FPIES awareness. The
families initiating these fundraisers and the restaurants partnering in the
cause have helped to fund programs providing resources and support to families
worldwide. Special recognition for Luca's family for all of their support!
In every fundraiser and in every awareness event, families
put their own unique stamp on the day.
Just as each child is unique, each family-organized event has its own
special style. The Fangman Family, for instance, raises awareness at Drag Races
and Mud Runs! Samantha Fangman shares,
“Our daughter, Josie, has FPIES. My husband had decals made for his race-car with the FPIES logo. We have brochures printed that we hand out at all our
races. We were amazed how many people came up and asked us what FPIES and The
FPIES Foundation was at our first race. We’ve handed out many more brochures
than we anticipated and are thrilled about it!!! We are doing what we can to
get the word out!!“
If you are thinking about starting your own awareness event or fundraiser for the FPIES Foundation, we hope that you have found inspiration
in the stories of the families highlighted above--- we certainly are inspired
by all of them, and all of you, everyday as we continue working to fulfill the
FPIES Foundation's mission of education, support and advocacy for all those
affected by FPIES, worldwide.
This post was written by the Executive Board of The FPIES Foundation
