Naperville Mom Previews Film for U.S. Airlines that Highlights Peril of Flying with Nut Allergies
To give voice to millions of silent food allergy sufferers, Amy Wicker of AllergySafeTravel, an online travel resource for people with food allergies, today will preview a short film, “More Than An Inconvenience,” that looks at the issue of flying with nut allergies. The six-minute film includes one-on-one interviews with people who have had adverse reactions on board flights. It also features interviews with people with food allergies so severe they were afraid to risk flying.
“According to the Centers for Disease Control, there are more than 4 million Americans, many of whom are children that are allergic to peanuts and tree nuts. So I
wanted to tap into the emotional power of film to graphically highlight actual allergy sufferers who view flying not as a pleasurable experience, but as a health risk. The fear is an allergic reaction can be triggered onboard, not only through ingestion but through contact and inhalation,” said producer Amy Wicker, whose 9-year-old daughter has asthma and is anaphylactic to milk, eggs and all nuts.
The AllergySafeTravel film has won a film festival award, but this is the first time it has been shared with airline representatives during a January 28 meeting in Washington, DC. Wicker has pioneered a grass roots approach to bring attention to food allergies and flying, and is the first person from the food allergy community to be invited to address this influential group.
“My hope is that once decision makers and others people see this film, they'll have more understanding and compassion towards those with food allergies, and be willing to play a role in creating a safe environment for those flyers with food allergies,” concluded Wicker.
The film won Best Short Documentary in 2013 at the LA Film and Script Festival. It's available for viewing at www.allergysafetravel.com.
About AllergySafeTravel (AST) --
AllergySafeTravel is an online travel resource for individuals with food allergies. AST's mission is to empower individuals with food allergies, to advocate on their behalf and to educate businesses within the hospitality industry. Not-for-profit status is pending. Each time a user books their reservation through AllergySafeTravel.com, a portion of the proceeds will be donated to AST. For additional information, please visit AllergySafeTravel.com