Food Allergies with Andrea Stephanie

06/17/2026

Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong is a billionaire physician-scientist, entrepreneur, and the founder of ImmunityBio. Throughout his career, he has focused on developing innovative treatments aimed at helping the body's own immune system fight disease. One of his most notable developments is Anktiva (N-803), an immunotherapy designed to support the body's natural defenses against c@ncer.

Unlike traditional treatments that often rely heavily on chemotherapy, Anktiva was developed with a different approach. Instead of directly attacking c@ncer cells with powerful chemicals, the therapy works by stimulating key parts of the immune system. Its goal is to help the body recognize and respond to abnormal cells more effectively.

Anktiva functions as an IL-15 receptor superagonist, a technology designed to activate and strengthen important immune cells. Among these are Natural Killer (NK) cells, which serve as one of the body's first lines of defense. These cells constantly patrol the body, searching for infected, damaged, or abnormal cells that may pose a threat. When activated, NK cells can identify and destroy c@ncerous cells before they spread further.

The therapy also enhances the activity of cytotoxic T-cells, another critical component of the immune system. These specialized cells are responsible for locating and eliminating cells that have become harmful. By boosting both NK cells and cytotoxic T-cells, Anktiva aims to strengthen the body's natural ability to target c@ncer cells.

This approach reflects a broader shift in modern medicine toward immunotherapy, where treatments are designed to work with the immune system rather than relying solely on conventional methods. Researchers believe that empowering the body's own defenses may offer new possibilities for treating certain forms of c@ncer while reducing dependence on more aggressive therapies.

Dr. Soon-Shiong's work has attracted worldwide attention because it focuses on harnessing the immune system's natural capabilities. His vision is based on the idea that the body's defense network already possesses powerful tools for fighting disease and that advanced therapies can help unlock that potential.

Today, Anktiva is recognized as one of the notable developments in the field of immunotherapy. Its focus on activating Natural Killer cells and cytotoxic T-cells represents a different strategy in the ongoing effort to improve c@ncer treatment and expand the options available to patients around the world.

06/16/2026

"Our family's food allergy journey has made me a more intentional father. Like many parents of children with severe food allergies, I've learned that something as simple as dinner at a restaurant, a birthday party, a school event, or a family vacation requires planning and vigilance. But it's also taught me the importance of resilience, empathy, and empowering my daughter to live confidently. My goal has always been to help her understand that while her food allergy is a part of her life, it does not define her or limit what she can achieve.
That perspective has shaped how our family navigates everyday life. People see the emergency medications and restaurant questions, but they don't always see the constant decision-making happening behind the scenes. Every meal, social event, sleepover, school activity, or trip involves an extra layer of planning and risk assessment. Parents are continually evaluating environments and advocating for their children, often without trying to draw much attention to it. It becomes second nature, but it requires a level of vigilance that never fully turns off.
Like many families, our introduction to food allergies was deeply personal. As I learned more about the challenges facing millions of families, I wanted to help drive meaningful change beyond my own household. FARE has long been the leading voice in food allergy research, education, and advocacy, and I am incredibly grateful to be part of its mission.
Serving on the FARE Board of Directors is both a privilege and a responsibility, and I am continually inspired by the organization's commitment to improving the lives of families like ours while advancing hope for a safer future.” -Alex

This Father's Day, we're celebrating dads like Alex, those who protect, advocate, teach, and inspire both at home and beyond. Make a Father's Day gift to FARE and help advance research, education, and advocacy for families everywhere! https://bit.ly/44eUK1S

05/12/2026

05/12/2026

We recently heard this from a mother in our program, and it is a reality so many of us know by heart. It wasn’t about being overprotective—it was about trying to shield her child from the weight of a world that wasn't built for him.

It's the start of Food Allergy Awareness Month and Mental Health Awareness Month. At the Food Allergy Institute, we know that for our families, these two are inseparable.

Living with severe food allergies is a 24/7 mental marathon. It’s an "invisible toll" that a standard blood test simply cannot measure:

🛡️ The Advocacy Burden: The constant exhaustion of educating others and navigating spaces where safety is never guaranteed.
🛡️ The Cognitive Load: The non-stop hyper-vigilance required to scan every room, audit every label, and anticipate every risk before it happens.
🛡️ The Social Barrier: The moment a child realizes their safety depends on being "different," creating a sense of isolation that affects their emotional well-being.

But awareness is only the beginning.

This month, we are also putting our mission into motion through the FAI Mental Health Fund. This fund is dedicated to providing the specialized emotional resources and support systems necessary to help our families navigate the anxiety and trauma that often accompany a diagnosis.

What is one thing you wish people understood about the "mental load" of food allergies? Whether it’s the constant math, the social anxiety, or the strength it takes to keep going—your story matters. Share with us in the comments. 🤍

🔗 Support the FAI Mental Health Fund: https://hubs.li/Q04f9hbH0

03/14/2026

02/23/2026

02/17/2026

This is what love sounds like. 💕

We’re honored to support families navigating food allergies every single day — and grateful for the kind words that remind us why we do this work.

Have a message you’d like to share with our team? Leave it in the comments 💗

02/17/2026