One Voice, One Mission: Reflections on the 2025 FAACT Allergy Summit

November 2025

For over 20 years, I’ve been part of the food allergy community. I’ve had the privilege of seeing the community grow in ways that continually inspire me. Over the years, I have meet many families at conferences and awareness walks across the country. It’s always a joy to connect with people I usually only see online and to finally meet others whose names I’ve heard. Old friends, new friends, it’s all exciting. I’m grateful this work is part of the life I am fortunate enough to live.

That sense of connection came alive at the FAACT Allergy Summit at the beginning of October. People from all walks of life—parents, educators, healthcare professionals, social media influencers, and advocates—came together for one powerful reason: To make life better for those living with food allergies and related conditions.

They came from coast to coast, from small towns and big cities, some flying internationally—each bringing their own story, their own hopes, and their own “why.” Yet by the end of the event, it was clear that while our experiences may differ, our purpose is the same: To create safer, kinder, and more inclusive communities for everyone managing food allergies.

We Gathered, We Laughed, We United

Throughout the summit, conversations flowed as freely as the laughter that filled the rooms. Attendees quickly realized this was not just a conference, it was a family reunion of sorts. Some were veteran advocates who’ve spent years pushing for clearer labeling laws, inclusion in schools, and access to epinephrine. Others were newly diagnosed families navigating life that now includes epinephrine, emergency plans, and reading every food label at least twice.

Despite the differences in experience, a powerful common thread wove everyone together: EMPATHY! People learned to really listen to one another. They shared stories of fears and triumphs, lessons learned from missteps, and the simple joys of finding others who “get it.” There were moments when eyes welled up with tears as stories were recounted, but just as many moments when they sparkled with laughter and recognition. One young woman I met was just in awe of being at an event where she could eat food without worry, and that alone caused a little worry as she did her best not to overthink it. In those exchanges, the summit became more than an event—it became a shared heartbeat of courage and connection.

Two Tracks, One Calling

This year’s summit offered two dynamic tracks: a Disease Management track and a Social Media track. In the Disease Management track, educators, clinicians, and caregivers explored the latest updates in food allergy research, management, and advocacy. They discussed equitable healthcare access, the role of schools in disease management, safe environments, and the need to bring compassion into every conversation about food allergies. Attendees left with new strategies to better support students, patients, and families with not just data but also dignity and humanity.

Meanwhile, through the Social Media track, bloggers and digital advocates were able to see and talk about how storytelling helps with public perception and builds awareness. Sessions gave powerful information about safety, authenticity, and accuracy in writing about health conditions. From tips on creating inclusive and fun content to discussions on handling misinformation with grace, everyone left inspired to use their platforms to help people see us as people and to empower our community and those around us.

The beauty of having two tracks was watching them intersect like others dimension of inclusion. The science informed the stories. The stories gave life to the science. Together, they showed how awareness and advocacy move better when we choose unity.

Bridging Gaps

One of the most moving aspects of this year’s gathering was how attendees, sponsors, companies, and speakers supported each other through their unique lenses. I’ve written before about the importance of being able to embrace different lenses. There were parents whose children have had multiple allergies since infancy sitting beside young adults who never knew a world without food allergies or warning labels. There were healthcare professionals learning from patient advocates, and influencers learning from educators about how to responsibly amplify voices.

Every conversation reflected the heart of FAACT’s mission to create a world where everyone’s experience is valued and included, educating and supporting along the way. No one left untouched by the realization that advocacy isn’t just about policies or posts, it’s about people. As the summit came to a close, one message was loud and clear: We have more work to do! The energy, empathy, and unity that filled the summit rooms must ripple out to our classrooms, work places, online communities, churches, gyms, doctors’ offices, and neighborhoods.

If you were part of the event, you felt that energy. If you weren’t, you can still be a part of it! Start conversations in your communities. Educate at schools and restaurants. Take part in elections and ask your legislators about their stances on healthcare and impacts to food allergy communities. Remind people that compassion is just as important as compliance and that meaning well is great but impact is lasting.

This summit wasn’t just about advocacy. It showed us that when people unite out of hope, we can stand together no matter our differences and unify on the things that matter most. We all have a shared responsibility.

Let’s continue the work together!