“In it to Win it” for Anaphylaxis Awareness
Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123 is supporting another important, yet less well-known cause. Anaphylaxis is a sudden and unexpected allergic reaction that can be life threatening; children and teenagers are at the highest risk. It is estimated that up to 30% of those affected have no idea they are at risk. For many, coming into contact with peanuts or grabbing a balloon can result in a scary, and sometimes dangerous allergic reaction. Approximately 75-100 District 123 students are affected.
District 123 is in the final weeks of a nationwide competition for a $15,000 grant to promote Anaphylaxis awareness and prevention. Only the top four schools in the contest will receive the grant. There are over 500 school districts competing nationally. District 123 is currently in 5th place with nearly 7000 votes. “We are in it to win it; however, we definitely need community support to bring it home,” says Lori Gloodt, principal at Sward Elementary and the district champion for the effort. “And it doesn’t cost anything to help,” she added with a smile.
Go to anaphylaxis101.com and register for the Raise Your Hand contest. Be sure to register for Oak Lawn-Hometown School District 123. After registering you will receive a confirmation email and a link to vote. Log in and vote every day until October 1, 2013. Your vote can only be counted once per day.
“This is a serious medical condition which doesn’t often get a whole lot of attention,” states Paul Enderle, Superintendent for School District 123. ”Raising awareness about anaphylaxis benefits our students and the Oak Lawn-Hometown community as a whole.”
Written by: Larry Fetchko
Photo: "Get Schooled in Anaphylaxis" Web. 19 Sept. 2013.
