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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Bowie Baysox Announce Allergen-Free Section for April 4 Game
A Unique Opportunity for Fans With Allergies to Attend a Bowie Baysox Game
FAIRFAX, Va. and BOWIE, Md, March 17, 2008 – The Bowie Baysox, Class “AA” affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles, in partnership with the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN), are teaming up once again for a food allergy awareness night on Friday, April 4, at 7:05 p.m. when the Baysox take on the Erie SeaWolves, Class “AA” Affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. Section 124 of the Prince George’s Stadium will be made available exclusively for individuals with food allergies and their families throughout the entire game.
“We are proud to partner with the Bowie Baysox to bring this great family activity to our members and families in the community. Children with severe peanut allergy will be able to enjoy a great American pasttime without worrying about having a reaction,” said Anne Muñoz-Furlong, Founder and CEO of FAAN, the world leader in information about food allergy. FAAN is dedicated to increasing public awareness, educating people about the condition, and advancing research on behalf of all those affected by food allergy.
The Baysox will be taking extra precautions during the game, such as stationing extra ushers at Section 124 to prevent the entry of food that may cause a reaction, such as peanuts; making emergency medical personnel (EMTs) available during the game in the event of an allergic emergency; and thoroughly wiping down the seats and sweeping the grounds of the section.
An estimated 12 million Americans have food allergy. Eight foods account for 90 percent of all food-allergic reactions in the U.S. – milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts (e.g., walnuts, almonds, cashews, pistachios, pecans), wheat, soy, fish, and shellfish – making it a significant public health and food safety issue. There is no cure. To prevent a reaction, individuals with food allergies must rely on strict avoidance of the food. Reactions can range from mild hives to difficulty breathing or even anaphylaxis (a severe allergic reaction that can cause death). Each year in the U.S., it is estimated that anaphylaxis caused by food results in 100 to 200 deaths.
“A high majority of our fans are families, and we wanted to be able to accommodate those families that have a member with food allergies,” said Ryan Roberts, Director of Communications for the Bowie Baysox. “We hope to make this a special event by having teen members of FAAN throw out the ceremonial first pitch and providing FAAN an opportunity to hand out literature to game attendees in order to educate the public on food allergies.”
“We commend the Baysox for taking this initiative and increasing awareness of food allergies,” continued Muñoz-Furlong. “Our young members are excited and looking forward to seeing a great game.”
Section 124 is located directly behind third base. Tickets are $11 when purchased in advance and $14 on the day of the game. Tickets can be purchased by contacting Jacob Stettes, Group Events Manager, at 301-464-4890 or at jstettes@baysox.com. Please purchase in advance, as seating for the game is limited.
Prince George’s Stadium is located in Bowie, Md. For driving directions (from Maryland, Virginia, or D.C.), please visit http://baysox.com/directions/.
ABOUT FAAN
Founded in 1991, the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) is the world leader in information about food allergy, a potentially fatal condition that afflicts about 12 million Americans, or one out of every 25. A nonprofit organization based in Fairfax, Va., FAAN has 30,000 members in the U.S., Canada, and 62 other countries. It is dedicated to increasing public awareness of food allergy and its consequences, to educating people about the condition, and to advancing research on behalf of all those affected by it. FAAN provides information and educational resources about food allergy to patients, their families, schools, health professionals, pharmaceutical companies, the food industry, and government officials. For more information, please visit FAAN at www.foodallergy.org, www.faankids.org, and www.faanteen.org.
CONTACT:
Jennifer Love
Marketing and Media Communications Manager
(703) 563-3061 direct, (301) 639-4811 cell
jlove@foodallergy.org
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