Updates

Food Allergy Program

 Patient Resources

If your child has a food allergy, his immune system overreacts to a food. This is caused by an antibody called Immunoglobulin E (IgE), which is found in people with allergies. A food allergy is more likely to develop in someone who has family members with allergies.

The most common food allergens are:

  • cow's milk
  • eggs
  • peanuts
  • wheat
  • soy
  • fish
  • sesame seeds
  • shellfish
  • tree nuts

Many children outgrow their allergies to milk, eggs or wheat in early childhood. However, the majority of children do not outgrow their allergies to peanuts, tree nuts, sesame, fish and shellfish.

Symptoms of food allergies can include hives, skin swelling, difficulty breathing, cough, wheezing, vomiting, diarrhea, red skin rash and fainting after eating a food.

Previous Events

  • 10th Annual Food Allergy Symposium
    September 16, 2023
  • 9th Annual Food Allergy Symposium
    August 19, 2022
  • 8th Annual Food Allergy Symposium
    September 25, 2021

Texas Children’s has implemented workshops for school nurses and teachers in the Houston area to increase awareness of food allergies.

We also have an active collaboration with the Houston Independent School District and several private schools across the greater Houston region to implement food allergy management plans. Online training has been developed and implemented in the Houston area to train school personnel about food allergies.

Now, our goal is to reach and partner with schools outside of the Houston Independent School District to identify undiagnosed children and improve the integration and safety of all children with food allergies. Funding for this effort supports the salaries of an educational specialist and support team that will enable us to increase our impact in the community.

If you are interested in having us speak at your school about food allergies, email us at foodallergynurse@texaschildrens.org.

Vision statement

Our vision is to have a city, state, and nationally recognized Food Allergy Family Network (FAFN) at Texas Children’s Hospital. The network is an important component of the Food Allergy Program at Texas Children’s Hospital/Baylor College of Medicine.

Mission Statement

The Food Allergy Family Network at Texas Children’s Hospital will provide education, treatment, research opportunities and network family support to enhance the quality of life of children, adolescents and young adults with food allergies.

Our Primary Goal

Our goal is to build a supportive network for families living with food allergies in Houston and surrounding areas by meeting on a regular basis to share information about treatment and research and to provide food allergy updates.

The leaders are Texas Children’s Hospital volunteers and are available to answer questions you may have about living with food allergies. They live in Houston and the surrounding areas and can provide peer support and share their experiences living with food allergies.

Food Allergy Network Leaders
NameE-mailHouston AreaPhone Number
Jennifer Mijangosjenmijangos@att.netEast(281) 796-8637
Mike Oldhamoldham@reynoldsfrizzell.comCentral(713) 485-7207
Oliver Oldhamjunior leaderCentral 
Melanie Ringoldmelanie.ringold@invesco.comCentral(713) 214-5770
Rahma Sarwarrahma.sarwar@gmail.comSouth Central(832) 570-1035
Thuy Tranthuyatlaw@yahoo.comWest(281) 772-9575
Austin Tranjunior leaderWest 
Danielle Williamsdaniwill78@hotmail.comCentral/North(202) 213-9896
Andrea Chaves Blackmanandreafchaves@hotmail.comSouth(832) 980-8029
David Greenbergdavidavital24@gmail.comSouth(773) 450-2292
Jyotsna KottoorJyots76@gmail.comSouth(312) 731-3846
Leah Robilottolrobilotto@foodallergy.comNorth(703) 868-2515
Sherril MackieShaydon903@hotmail.comCentral(832) 289-5666
Tammy Lustertammy_prukop@yahoo.comSouthwest(713) 254-7040
Sachin MenonSachin_menon@hotmail.comWest(281) 687-5350
TCH FAFN Support Staff
Theresa Aldapetmaldape@texaschildrens.orgFAFN Liaison832-824-1385
Daisy Trandxtran1@texaschildrens.orgLead Research Coordinator832-824-3398

About the Food Allergy Program Teen Advisory Board

The Texas Children’s Hospital Food Allergy Program Teen Advisory Board is a leadership program to promote food allergy awareness in the community and to be a mentor to other food allergic children. Members will participate in the planning of outreach activities including the Texas Children’s Hospital Food Allergy Symposium youth session, Texas Children’s Hospital Food Allergy Family Network youth meetings, community outreach, and other projects.

Term

Members will serve a 1 year term. Individuals may re-apply the following year to serve additional terms.

Requirements

  • Age 12-17 years at the time of application
  • Use his or her knowledge, skills, and abilities to help be a mentor to children with food allergies
  • Diagnosis of food allergy
  • Carry epinephrine auto-injector at all times (if prescribed)
  • Attend at least two planning meetings (in-person or phone)
  • Attend at least one outreach meeting
  • Live in Houston and surrounding area 
  • Must have permission from parent or guardian to participate in activities
  • Must have permission from parent or guardian to be listed on Texas Children’s Hospital documents such as flyers, presentations, website, etc. which may be used and dispensed to the general public

Application Process

To apply, please fill out the application form and email to foodallergynurse@texaschildrens.org no later than March 1, 2020. 

Applicants who have been accepted to the Teen Advisory Board will be notified by March 20, 2020.

Questions?

Contact Daisy Tran Vita by email at dxtran1@texaschildrens.org or call 832-824-3640. 

 

Cooking Up a Cure

Cooking up a Cure is an annual event benefiting the Food Allergy Program at Texas Children’s Hospital.

Learn More

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