WEBINAR: It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year—But How Do You Handle Family Members That Just Don’t Understand Food Allergies?
Hear firsthand stories and learn practical strategies from people who know what it’s like to celebrate the holidays with loved ones who don’t “get” food allergy.
Tuesday, December 10, 7:00 p.m.–8:00 p.m. ET
The holidays are a time for family, traditions, and, of course, delicious meals. But for those with food allergy, this festive season can also be a source of stress and worry—especially when family members don’t fully grasp the severity of your food allergy. In this webinar, we’ll provide practical strategies for navigating family gatherings while managing food allergy, through a discussion between panelists who have been there and survived the holidays with relationships intact!
Speakers: Elise Buellesbach, Denise A. Bunning, and Kendra Chanae Chapman
Moderator: Kelly Cleary, MD
About the Speakers
Elise Buellesbach
Elise Buellesbach works in political data in Washington, DC. She is an active member of the food allergy community, working on lobbying initiatives such as the Food Allergy Research Caucus. She serves on the Education Advisory Council and was previously part of the Teen Advisory Group. Elise is allergic to egg, chicken, and turkey; she also has Celiac Disease. Elise loves to share her food allergy story and help others thrive. When Elise is not immersed in politics you can find her in the pool or enjoying life in D.C.
Denise A. Bunning
Denise A. Bunning is an educator, support group leader, and advocate who works to improve the lives of children with food allergies. Denise co-founded and currently manages, MOCHA (Mothers of Children Having Allergies)—a support group for food-allergic families. She also serves on the Board of Governors for FARE (Food Allergy Research & Education), the Founders’ Board of Lurie Children’s Hospital in Chicago, and the Women’s Board of Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital. Previously, Denise also served on a committee organized by the Illinois State Board of Education and the Illinois Department of Public Health to author Guidelines for Managing Life-Threatening Food Allergies in Illinois Schools, which served as the basis for school board policies state-wide. Additionally, she co-authored The Food Allergy Experience with Dr. Ruchi Gupta, the Director of Institute for Public Health and Medicine - Center for Food Allergy & Asthma at Northwestern University. Denise earned a BA in Early Childhood/Special Education from Boston College, an MSED in Special Education from Northern Illinois University, and a CAS in School Administration from National Louis University. Denise and her husband of 33 years, Dave, have two adult sons with life-threatening food allergies and eosinophilic esophagitis, a digestive disorder related to food allergies.
Kendra Chanae Chapman
Kendra Chanae Chapman is a television writer and producer who has worked on hit shows like POWER BOOK IV: Force for STARZ, EMERGENCE for ABC, and DESIGNATED SURVIVOR for Netflix, as well as a fierce food allergy advocate. For years Kendra wrote the popular food allergy blog, “Nope, Can’t Eat That Either,” which focused on her life as an African American millennial living with food allergies. Her posts reached readers in the US, UK, Canada, Australia, and beyond. Kendra has been featured in a CNN Health article on how to navigate the holidays with food allergies. Additionally, she has penned two articles for SELF.com, including “I Have Severe Food Allergies, and These Are the 3 Comments I’m So Sick of Hearing.” Kendra proudly works with FARE, serving on their Rising Leaders Committee to raise funds and increase awareness about food allergies.