December 17, 2013 was a very proud day for many in Michigan and the food allergy community.  Governor Rick Synder signed into law House Bills 4352 and 4353 that will mandate all Michigan schools to have life saving medicine called Epinephrine available to anyone suffering a severe allergic reaction.  The bills will also make sure at least two staff members are onsite and trained to use the auto injectors.

My family and I were so honored to be invited by Governor Synder to witness the signing of these two House Bills.  I am so proud to say that I live in Michigan.  This is such a monumental event for so many families.  Many states across the country have Epinephrine laws in place, but there are very few that actually require them.  Other states are passing laws allowing schools to obtain epinephrine auto injectors and stock them, but this is an option and not a requirement.  Michigan did the right thing by becoming the fifth state to require Epinephrine in our schools.  This will bring so much awareness to our schools and save so many lives.

There are so many people and families out there that made this happen.  I want to thank all of you for all of your efforts.  Thank you for continuing to raise awareness, advocating for our children and calling and writing your state representatives and senators.  You all made a huge difference in so many lives.

BRAVO MICHIGAN!

If your state is currently going through the legislation process then check out this blog post with resources that may help you in your efforts. 

Don't Go Nuts is a company that was created by one family's love for a family member
with food allergies.  Jane and Doug Pinto, co-founders, along with their 13-year-old twin daughters,
Lily and Mesa began a company that caters to families and their loved ones with peanut and
tree nut allergies. 

The family's food allergy journey began when Lily was diagnosed with life threatening food allergies to peanuts and tree nuts.  When Lily was three years old, she had a reaction to something that she had eaten and developed hives.  After getting her food allergy diagnosis, the entire Pinto family was extremely cautious, but even with their extra vigilance, Lily experience her first anaphylaxis reaction when she was eight years old from eating something that was mislabeled.  Thankfully, Lily was ok, but the
Pinto family's lives were forever changed.  Doug Pinto described this day in a blog by saying, "It was one of the times in my life that I was aware of my relationship to fear."  From that day on, the family needed to find away to transform Lily's allergy into help for others.  Jane Pinto said, "We want to be part of ensuring not only that a child doesn't lose their life due to a food allergy but also that every child lives an inspired life with it."  And Don't Go Nuts was born.

I recently had the great opportunity to speak to Jane Pinto, Co-Founder and CEO of Don't Go Nuts, a division of Pinto Barn, along with her dedicated staff.  It was such a pleasure speaking with a team of people just as passionate about food allergies as I am.  Don't Go Nuts currently has a full line of healthy peanut and nut free soy butters and energy bars in a wide variety of flavors.  I have had the energy bars and they are very delicious.  I shared some samples with some of my fellow food allergy moms and I am waiting to hear what they think.  During my call with Don't Go Nuts, they shared with me some of the exciting things that they have planned in the near future.  So I would keep your eye on this family and their company because they have some great things in the works for the food allergy community.     

13-year-old twins, Lily and Mesa are such an inspiration to so many young people out there.  The love in their family can be felt in this YouTube video.  Please watch and share their story.
Also, check out Don't Go Nuts Field to Fingers Nut Free Process, which is so important to Lily and so many other food allergic families. 
VIDEO NO LONGER AVAILABLE.