May 2010 NewsReport

Hope can be born of tragedy. Five years ago, on May 16, 2005, the Ontario legislature united to pass “An Act to Protect Anaphylactic Pupils,” known widely as Sabrina’s Law. The abbreviated name honours Sabrina Shannon, the 13-year-old who died following a devastating food allergy reaction at her school. In just five years, literally tens of thousands of North American schools have made huge strides on anaphylaxis awareness and risk reduction, thanks in no small measure to the girl and the law.
Following the lead of Sabrina’s Law, British Columbia, Alberta and Manitoba all moved to adopt comprehensive anaphylaxis strategies. The influence of Sabrina’s Law has been felt in the U.S., where 11 states now have laws mandating food allergy safety measures. Five years along, the spirit of Sabrina and her law burn brightly. She remains our ambassador of awareness.
– Gwen Smith

To mark the 5th anniversary of Sabrina’s Law, Allergic Living magazine is honoured to relaunch Sabrina’s 2001 radio documentary about her life with food allergies. CBC Radio produced the documentary, and the accompanying poignant website feature.

This is one of the worst pollen seasons in recent years for much of Canada and the United States. Allergic rhinitis, commonly called hay fever, can bring on sneezing, runny noses and congestion, and itchy, watery eyes. Not to mention difficulty sleeping, which leads to irritability and difficulty concentrating. The good news is, help is at hand: