Adam Rubinstein (r), 13, of Freehold Township, is planning an April 27 walk-a-thon that will benefit the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network. Adam’s brother Jason (l), 16, is one of about 12 million people who are afflicted with severe food allergies that can become life threatening. FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP – Adam Rubinstein, 13, wants to make a difference in the life of his brother Jason, 16, and the approximately 12 million other people who are afflicted with severe food allergies that can become life threatening.
OnApril 27,Adam will sponsor a walka thon to benefit the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN), a charity that promotes education, awareness and research in this immune system disease. The walk-a-thon will be on the premises of the Barkalow Middle School, Stillwells Corner Road, where Adam is a seventhgrade student.
“When my brother was about 2 years old he had an allergic reaction that caused his face to blow up just because a little peanut butter touched him,” Adam explained. “Now he’s allergic to all nuts and seeds, in addition to the peanut butter.”
Adam said he has been tested and has a moderate food allergy to walnuts and pecans, but Jason, a sophomore at Monmouth County Biotechnology High School, Freehold Township, has to carry a supply of Epi-Pen (brand name for epinephrine) in case of anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction to a food or foreign substance that the body believes is harmful. The reaction can take place in minutes with symptoms that include swelling of the tongue and throat, difficult breathing and a decrease in blood pressure. Emergency treatment is needed immediately.
There is no cure for severe food allergy, Adam said, just avoidance of harmful foods.
“I hope this walk-a thon gets the word out about food allergies, ” he said. “It’s about education and finding a cure.”
Adam is making FAAN the special charity project for his bar mitzvah in June. He has the sponsorship of Congregation Kol Am and its Sunday school. Also, the Sunrise Optimist Club, Freehold, has made a generous donation to his walk-a thon.
Ron and Karen Rubinstein, Adam’s parents, said they are very proud of their sons and of Adam’s walk-a thon.
“They are both great kids,” Karen Rubinstein said. “Severe food allergies involve the whole family. You never know when the reaction will happen and you have about seven minutes after the injection to get to the hospital for help. Sometimes people don’t believe you when you tell them about the allergies.”
She said Adam’s fellow students at the Barkalow Middle School, as well as their parents and the staff members have been very supportive of her son’s project.
FAAN ([email protected]) received national attention recently when Trace Atkins, a country singer and songwriter, was on Donald Trump’s “Celebrity Apprentice” television show and choose FAAN as his charity. Atkins’ daughter, Briana, has severe food allergies and Atkins is the honorary chairman of the Walk for Food Allergy -Moving Toward a Cure campaign.
FAAN is providing T-shirts and information to all participants in the April 27 walk-a-thon. Instruction on the proper use of the epinephrine injection that is used to control anaphylaxis will be available. There will be healthy snacks and face painting. Music will be provided by BBrothers DJ Entertainment, Freehold, donated by owner Tyler Blum.
The rain or shine walk-a thon will take place behind the BarkalowMiddle School, 498 Stillwells Corner Road, Freehold Township, from 9 a.m. to noon April 27. Three trips around the school equals 1 mile. Businesses and individuals can sponsor walkers. For more information contact Adam Rubinstein by calling (732) 303-1854 or e-mail cooladam@optonline. net.

