Dear alpha-gal friends,

We are deeply saddened by the loss of a New Jersey man who passed away due to anaphylaxis from alpha-gal syndrome, and our hearts are with his loved ones. We know that hearing news like this can be unsettling, especially for those living with alpha-gal syndrome, and we want to reassure you that many people continue to manage this condition safely with awareness and support. Please know that you are not alone. We encourage you to take care of yourself, lean on trusted family and friends, and seek connection and support within the alpha-gal community. We are here with you.

Even though this recent news is heartbreaking, it reminds us how important it is to continue spreading awareness and reliable information about alpha-gal syndrome. We’re grateful to see more news coverage of AGS, including stories featuring TAG’s own Peyton Owen and Debbie Nichols, helping to shine a light on this condition and our growing community.

THREE New Episodes of the Podcast!

Before being diagnosed with alpha-gal syndrome, many of us often felt dismissed, bouncing from doctor to doctor and frequently hearing "it's all in your head" from specialists. In this episode, The Whole Picture, we chat with Neurogastroenterologist Dr. Zachary Spiritos about his refreshing approach to listening, recognizing connections across body systems, and his holistic methods to practicing medicine.

Does the AGS test work? How do you talk to your provider about getting tested? Who can order the test? In this episode, Test with Confidence, Gary Falcetano, PA-C of Thermo Fisher Scientific answers some of our most frequently asked questions about the AGS test. You won’t want to miss Gary’s valuable insight!

In our latest episode, Gratitude in Action, Betsy Craig, founder and CEO of MenuTrinfo, shares her journey from the food industry to creating a company focused on food allergy safety. Drawing on her personal experience with autoimmune disease, she discusses her mission to protect individuals with food allergies and dietary restrictions while promoting transparency and excellence in the foodservice industry.

SPOTLIGHT ON CHANGEMAKERS

Meet Allergy Force, the place for learning how to navigate allergic life more safely, more easily. Allergy Force was launched to make life with food allergies less stressful and more carefree through education and technology.

A COMMITMENT TO FOOD ALLERGY EDUCATION

The Allergy Force website provides best-in-class content to help the food allergy community parent with confidence and navigate school, holidays, grocery shopping, dining out, and travel with peace-of-mind that comes from knowledge. At the website, visitors can download free resources, like handouts for teaching allergic kids how to be responsible for their food allergies in age appropriate ways, guides on how to travel safely with food allergies, and a sweet coloring book for littles that teaches the ABC’s of food allergies. 

A COMMITMENT TO TECH TO SIMPLIFY ALLERGIC LIFE

The Allergy Force app, with 20+ features, is an integrated tool that helps users evaluate the safety of food choices, communicate their allergies to others, manage medications, and manage allergic reactions. From a barcode scanner, to a digital emergency action plan, to a chef card in 21 languages, and much more, it’s like having an ‘allergy mom’ on your mobile phone. With the Allergy Force app, you are in control of your food allergies and prepared for the unexpected. The app is currently being upgraded and will relaunch at the app stores in 2026.

Join the Allergy Force community to receive content and updates about the app’s status direct to your inbox. 

Do you have a Changemaker you’d love to see featured here? Nominate your Changemaker today!

Happy Holidays to those who celebrate! Until next time…

-Debbie & Candice