More than ever before, patients and their families play a critical role in research. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) and its Kids with Food Allergies (KFA) division engage people in the research process so they can have a stronger voice in decisions that impact their lives. Elevating community voices is important so that treatments and policies address the needs of the people they intend to serve. With your support KFA:

• Advocates for public policies that ensure people with allergies and asthma have high-quality health care, access to treatment options, and live in healthy environments.
• Conducts and supports research that puts patients’ needs first.
• Connects people to financial, social, and emotional support.
• And helps save lives through health education programs.

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Today, we are honored to share the inspiring story of an individual whose life has been changed because of their involvement in KFA’s patient-centered research initiatives.

Abbey manages multiple food allergies and asthma for herself and her family. She also has eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE). Managing these conditions has not always been easy for her, but being involved in research projects with AAFA and KFA has helped her feel empowered to manage them. She feels proud to be part of the effort to improve the lives of patients with allergic conditions and asthma.

“AAFA/KFA support a variety of research projects that help us manage these conditions and improve the lives of allergy and asthma patients everywhere.”

AAFA’s and KFA’s patient-centered research projects gave Abbey and her family the opportunity to share their lived experience with living with food allergies, asthma, and other related conditions –including their concerns and fears. They were surprised and comforted that the final reports were filled with stories from people with similar experiences and feelings as them. Not only does this help build a sense of community among people who manage food allergies and asthma, but they help educate health care providers about what it’s like to live with these conditions as well.

Abbey knows that this research is important for continuing education for health care providers and to help evolve patient care.

“Given the results of AAFA and KFA’s research, I know that we are not the only patients to have these experiences. AAFA’s CME program and patient-impact studies have a real potential to improve patient care and health outcomes, if physicians, faculty, and other members of the health care community will take advantage of these opportunities.

My sons feel a great deal more confidence in their future medical care because of these programs and studies, and are hopeful, too, that the future will bring innovative treatments that not only improve their health but their lives.”

Together, let's build a world where research leads to understanding, education and support foster confidence, and advocacy brings about the change we all aspire to see.