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Meet Your Neighbor: Meet the Neighbor: Scott Gordin
By: Callie Thomas
Speaking up and speaking your mind has its rewards. Resident Scott Gordin found the courage to stand up and be vocal about his food allergies in front of the school district as well as his friends. In the process, he’s helped save the lives of other youth. Self-advocating has not only helped him deal with his own life-threatening affliction, but has created awareness of potentially life threatening food allergies and established the first-ever Clark County School District Food Allergy Management Guidelines which includes new regulations, policies and procedures through his efforts with non-profit organization Food Allergy Research & Education (FARE). The new guidelines are scheduled to be released this fall.
The high school senior has severe allergies to peanuts, tree nuts and shellfish. He’s experienced anaphylaxis (a potentially deadly allergic reaction), which sent him to the emergency room at an early age. Due to his illness, he and his family did a great deal of research on food allergies and the dangers they pose, subsequently leading them to become involved in FARE. His parents are volunteers for the annual fundraising Walk for Food Allergy charity as walk directors. Scott was the youth ambassador for the walk the first year. Now, he’s a member of the walk committee as the teen recruit chair. He’s also part of the Teen Advisory Group for FARE, which is a merger between Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network and Food Allergy Initiative where Scott is paired with other teens in a mentorship program. The group works on community projects to advocate and educate. He’s proud of the work his volunteer efforts have produced and is always eager to share his experiences. Scott talks about giving back at an early age, his aspirations and life as a teen in Vegas.
What should others know about food allergies?
“There is currently no cure. Fifteen million Americans struggle every day from this medical condition. One in thirteen kids has a food allergy (about three in every classroom). Kids pass away every year from eating something they thought was safe.”
Why was it important for you to volunteer?
“Other kids feel self-conscious about their food allergies, but I feel different. It has helped save my life by being vocal. My school, Coronado High School, is supportive and they are sponsors of our walk. Many students volunteer and participate in the event.”
Tell us about this year’s walk.
“I want to invite everyone in the community. You will support those directly or indirectly afflicted by this medical condition. The walk takes place Saturday morning on November 2 at the District at Green Valley Ranch. Your support will help raise funds for research to find a cure.”
You’ve been recognized for your efforts?
“Yes, by Governor Sandoval and I received the Hero Award for my charity work, and a Humanitarian Award as Food Allergy Walk Teen Recruitment Chair in Nevada. As the chair, I’ve spoken to local schools and the Art Institute of Las Vegas Culinary School about the walk and participating. I secured local sponsors, volunteers, attend monthly committee meetings, and take part in TV interviews to promote the walk.”
You’ve also done an interview on PBS and your story was featured in Today.com and made MSN.com’s top 5 stories of the day…
“(Smiles) Yes, I’m really proud of that, but also the amazing support of our community and what the Walk enabled in Nevada! Thanks to our community, the 2012 walk raised $110,000 and our walk grants continue to be approved by FARE! Together, we’ve increased awareness and raised funds to make our community a better place. It’s also exciting that the Clark County School District and the FARE partnership created a safer place for CCSD students and staff. I hope to see you at the charity event November 2 – you could be saving a life!”
For more information about the charity event visit www.foodallergywalk.org/lasvegas.”
