FARE Leadership Spotlight - December 2020

As we close out 2020, our latest entry in the FARE Leadership Spotlight series introduces Sara Trachte. Sara is a food allergy mom who serves on FARE’s Board of Governors. Here she shares sound advice, favorite pastimes and her appreciation for the University of Wisconsin’s food allergy center, one of 50 exceptional research institutions within the FARE Clinical Network.

• What's your name, where are you from, and what is your food allergy connection?

My name is Sara Trachte. I’m from a suburb of Madison, Wisconsin, and I am a food allergy mom. My son has severe food allergies to peanuts and tree nuts.

• What drew you to FARE? Why do you support FARE?

Before my son was diagnosed, we knew very little about food allergies. We were unprepared, overwhelmed and scared as we began our food allergy journey. FARE was, and still is, an invaluable and vital resource for our family. FARE provided the educational resources and support we needed and made us feel as though we weren’t alone.

I support FARE because it represents hope for my family. While there is no cure for food allergies today, we believe FARE’s tremendous advocacy and awareness efforts will help change that in the future. Due to FARE’s steadfast commitment to keep moving the conversation forward, we are excited about the life-changing possibilities that lie ahead for the millions of food allergy sufferers and their families.

• When you think of FARE, what first comes to mind?

Transformative. FARE is working tirelessly to advance the science of food allergies and is bringing the best and brightest minds together in a truly collaborative effort. FARE is also elevating awareness and advocacy across all platforms, and for that we couldn’t be more appreciative.

• What is one thing you would tell any food-allergic person or parent/guardian of a food-allergic person?

Always carry two epinephrine auto-injectors!

• What is the best food allergy advice you ever received?

The best food allergy advice I’ve ever received was how to approach life with food allergies. Instead of letting food allergies be a limiting factor, we approach our food allergy life with the attitude of “Yes, we can.” Then, we find a way to do whatever it is safely.

• What is your favorite hobby or pastime?

Spending time with my family! We enjoy downhill skiing, camping, hiking and boating. Even spending an afternoon exploring in our own backyard is a wonderful pastime.

• Do you have any food allergy friendly holiday traditions or recipes?

For the past several years, we have built and decorated a peanut-free, tree-nut-free gingerbread house together on Christmas Eve. It has become one of the highlights of our holiday traditions. We’ll be doing it again this year, too!

• What makes the University of Wisconsin’s food allergy center, a member of the FARE Clinical Network, so special?

The University of Wisconsin food allergy center is so special because it brings the resources and care typically found in large metropolitan areas to the heart of the Midwest. The FARE Clinical Network connects the food allergy center in Madison to a nationwide scientific community. Patients and families in southern Wisconsin now have access to clinical trials and a larger network of support than ever before. Under Dr. Anne Marie Singh’s exceptional leadership, we are excited about the cutting-edge care to which we have access, and the therapeutics that may be available to families in our community in the near future.