Global FPIES Day 2020: Allies for FPIES
October 14 is Global FPIES Day, recognizing all those affected by Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome.
Guest post by Joy Meyer, DTR (Dietetic Technician, Registered), Co-Director, The FPIES Foundation
Global FPIES Day is honored on October 14 every year. Established in 2014, it is a day set aside by The FPIES Foundation to recognize Food Protein-Induced Enterocolitis Syndrome (FPIES) while empowering those living with the diagnosis by providing tools, support and resources for every day.
FPIES is a different type of food allergy affecting the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Classic symptoms of FPIES include profuse vomiting, diarrhea and dehydration. These symptoms can lead to severe lethargy and changes in body temperature and blood pressure. Unlike typical (that is, IgE-mediated) food allergies, FPIES symptoms may not be immediate and do not show up on standard allergy tests. Furthermore, a negative allergy evaluation may delay the diagnosis and take the focus off the causative food. Nonetheless, FPIES can present with severe symptoms following ingestion of a food trigger.
Global FPIES Day is a day when partners and members of the FPIES community can come together to raise awareness, to share stories and information, and to educate one another about aspects of living with FPIES. This year, with our theme Allies for FPIES (#Allies4FPIES), we honor all of those who stand with our community to raise awareness, build community support, expand research and improve the quality of care for all those affected by FPIES.
The “FPIES: Be the Voice” Global FPIES Day awareness ribbon was developed by an FPIES family. The unified colors of teal and orange hold great significance. Teal represents food allergy awareness and orange symbolizes empowerment and strength. The two colors together symbolize #GlobalFPIESDay.
The Global FPIES Day ribbon is a visible reminder of the strength and advocacy of the FPIES community.
Join us in sharing print resources, educational videos, and inspirational family stories to promote FPIES awareness in your local communities and beyond! Check out more of our resources at fpiesday.com, and stay tuned for our Global Day 2020 content launch!
To learn more about FPIES, please visit fpiesfoundation.org.
The FPIES Foundation is an Incorporated 501(c)3 non-profit foundation dedicated to overcoming the challenges of FPIES by offering tools for education, support, and advocacy to empower families and the medical community. We respect the difficulties faced by a family affected by FPIES and dedicate ourselves to helping families living with FPIES today by supporting their multifaceted needs.