Please take a moment to read this entire post.

I really need your help with a project that is very important to me. The good news is that it is really easy and will not cost you anything except a few minutes of your time.)

I am writing to ask your help to find a cure for food allergies. Unlike many allergies where reactions are limited to sneezing and watery eyes, food allergies are more likely to cause serious, even fatal, reactions. Not eating the food is not enough to avoid risk; being exposed to it through contaminated surfaces or airborne particles can be enough to trigger a reaction. There is no cure for life-threatening food allergies, but with adequate support, scientists believe a cure can be found.

More than 12 million Americans have food allergies, including at least 3 million children. Food allergies are found among all races and ethnic groups, and can be developed at any age. For unknown reasons, there has been an alarming increase in the number of children developing life-threatening allergies to common foods such as milk, eggs, and peanuts. Food allergies kill more than 150 Americans each year and are responsible for 30,000 emergency room visits.

Researchers believe that with a commitment of $50 million per year for five to ten years, a cure for life-threatening food allergies can be found. Several non-profit organizations are actively trying to raise money to support research and to encourage more investigators to study the problem. Building on progress made in treating asthma and non-food allergies, scientists believe a vaccine for major food allergies can be found within a decade if research is sufficiently funded.

Members Project is an online program sponsored by American Express that enables passionate people to come together to dream up innovative ideas for projects that make a difference. My sister submitted this project for her son, who has food allergies...and for Kristine, who died after eating a homemade cookie...for Andrew, who died after suffering a severe reaction to peanuts...for Umar, who died after eating birthday cake...for Joe, who died after eating pistachio nuts...for Dexter, who died after eating a chocolate bar...and for the millions of other people who suffer from food allergies. Please support research to fight this curable condition! If any money is won, it goes directly to food allergy research.

How you can help…
Please, let's not miss this opportunity to get some funding to help this cause. Please take two minutes of your time. Honestly, I timed the process and it takes under two minutes if you follow these instructions:

1. Go to
Members Project
2. Click on "Nominate this Project". You will see a "Login to nominate this project" window popup.
If you have an American Express Card, click on "Cardmember Login."
If you do not have an American Express Card, click on "Sign up as a Guest Member."
3. Fill in the information requested (name and email address) in the form and then click "Sign Up."
4. Type "Find a Cure for Food Allergies" in the search box at the top of the page.
5. Click on "Find a Cure for Food Allergies"
6. Click on "Nominate this Project

That's it! You've helped! One more very important thing! The projects that get the funding from American Express are based on which projects get the most nominations. To be considered, this project must be among the top 25 projects nominated. Nominations end on September 1, 2008. I ask that you forward this message on to as many family, friends, co-workers, etc. that you are able to. Also, it is important to get this letter posted online as much as possible. I don't have access to high traffic web sites or mailing lists of people who are passionate about finding a cure for food allergies. Please do this to help "Find a Cure for Food Allergies". If this project wins, the money is sent directly to food allergy research organizations from American Express. Please spread the word wherever you can. Thank you in advance for your help!

Roberta