Accomplishments

 

Dec 2008	Catrina and I participated on a food allergy awareness and education program for a Japanese media company. The camera crew, producer, and interpreter came to our house in Cincinnati to film our story about Emily. They plan to air this in Japan in March 2009. In speaking with the producer, food allergies are a growing concern in Japan too. The interesting thing in Japan, is that since the country is so physically small, everything is centralized, i.e. the health ministry. They have a better accounting of health issues, etc. They will have the statistics to backup the exponential growth of food allergies. It was wonderful to participate on an international effort to raise awarness and educate another country on the dangers of food allergies. Thank you Mangrove Media. `
Nov 2008	We held the second annual Ladies Bunko Night in St. Bernard. It was another wonderful night with lots of Life, Love, and Laughter -- Emily was with us again that night. Thank you all for attending and supporting our efforts. `
Oct 2008	We held the second annual Emily Vonder Meulen Memorial Fund Golf Outing at Neuman golf course. The weather was wonderful. We were surrounded by friends, family, and co-workers. It was a beautiful day to celebrate Life and Love with lots of Laughter. We had a wonderful day and thank all for playing and supporting our efforts. `
Aug 2008	Conducted a presentation on food allergies at Positive Pathways in Northern Kentucky. The presentation discussed food allergies, possible causes, and links with many other childhood epidemics like autism, ADHD, asthma, and environmental allergies. `
Jun 2008	We held the first annual Ladies Bunko Night at St. Dominic. Again, it was an absolutely wonderful night of fun and games.  Lots of Life, Love, and Laughter -- Emily was with us again that night. Thank you all for attending and supporting our efforts. `
May 2008	The Emily Vonder Meulen Memorial Fund scholarship selection team reviewed 7 wonderful applications. The team had a difficult time picking just one winner. We selected Kathleen Licht as this year's scholarship winner. A wonderful girl with many struggles, a huge heart, and beautiful dreams. Congratulations Kathleen. Thanks to all for submitting applications, many tears were shed and smiles were shared. Update: Received this e-mail from Kathleen's mom in Feb 2009: Good Afternoon! I have GREAT news! Out of all of the girls (I believe it's 130+ something) receiving the Marian Award next Sunday - Kathleen's essay was chosen - she'll read it during the ceremony - have her name special in the program, etc., etc. We both are so very excited about this honor and just had to share it with you and Catrina - I couldn't be prouder and it makes me feel especially sentimental knowing she promised the two of you she'd try to make you proud of her too in the essay she did for you. `
Dec 2007	Made a donation to the non-profit group Kids with Food Allergies (www.kidswithfoodallergies.org). This is a wonderful organization and they have great up to date information, recipe's, helpful hints, etc. Lynda, thank you for your friendship and support. `
Oct 2007	Catrina and Paul appear on the Today's Show to speak about the dangers of food alleriges and what happen to Emily.The response from the food allergy world, mom's and dad's, care takers, etc. was overwhelming. Thank you all for your support. When Emily died we wanted to climb the highest mountain and scream out about the dangers of food allergies. Thank you NBC, you gave us that mountain and we hope our efforts changed the hearts and minds of many -- and the world is a bit safer for food allergic people everywhere. `
Oct 2007	We held the first annual Ladies Bunko Night in St. Bernard. Everyone had an absolutely wonderful time. Lots of Life, Love, and Laughter -- Emily was with us that night. Thank you all for attending and supporting our efforts. `
Oct 2007	We held the first annual Emily Vonder Meulen Memorial Fund Golf Outing at Avon Fields golf course. We had a wonderful day and thank all for playing and supporting our efforts. `
Summer 2007	Launched www.foodallergyangel.com. The website's theme is to "change the world, one person at a time". Via the web, we can reach thousands and millions of people across the world to spread the word of the dangers of food allergies. Emily died from cross contamination at a restaraunt, if the food handler was more aware of food allergies, Emily may still be with us today. If we can change one person, we may have saved one life. `
May 2007	Established the Emily Vonder Meulen Memorial Fund with the Warren County Foundation. Establish our mission and vision for this fund in support of food allergy awareness, cures, programs, etc. `
Winter 2007	Assisted with an article that was published in the magazine Allergy and Asthma Today on When Anaphylaxisis looks like Asthma. This is such an important message... children/people with asthma and food allergies need to be extra Vigilant! `
Fall 2006	Traveled to Pittsburgh PA to support Gina Clowes (www.allergymoms.com) in her effort to allow children in Pennsylvania schools carry epi-pens on their person.' `