FAAN and FAI Merge as FARE!

Readers might be interested in the latest progress report from the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network and the Food Allergy Initiative:

"We are pleased to announce that the merger between the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) and the Food Allergy Initiative (FAI) has been completed. Our new organization, dedicated to food allergy research and education, will be known as FARE. 

Building on the significant accomplishments of FAAN and FAI over the past two decades, FARE’s mission is to ensure the safety and inclusion of all individuals with food allergies while relentlessly seeking a cure.  We will accomplish this by:

·         Funding world-class research that advances treatment and understanding,

·         Providing evidence-based education and resources,

·         Undertaking advocacy at all levels of government, and

·         Increasing awareness of food allergies as a serious public health issue.

Thanks to your commitment and support, FAAN and FAI have made great strides over the years. The merger comes at a crucial time in the national discourse around food allergies, and we look forward to continuing to partner with you as we work to advance research, education and advocacy.

John Lehr, FARE’s chief executive officer, will lead our executive team. John brings more than 20 years of healthcare nonprofit management and fundraising experience to FARE.  He previously served as the president and CEO of CureSearch for Children’s Cancer and vice president of major and planned giving for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. The executive leaders of FAAN and FAI, Maria Acebal and Mary Jane Marchisotto, will remain involved in the merged organization. Maria will serve as a senior advisor and spokesperson for FARE. Mary Jane will serve as the senior vice president of research and operations, with a primary focus on growing the organization’s research portfolio.

Through the end of 2012, FAAN and FAI events, public communications and websites will continue with the existing organizations’ names. FARE will debut its new logo and website, which will be located at www.foodallergy.org, in early 2013."

PS: I love the new name...