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Meet Your Neighbor: Meet The Neighbor – Duane and Dana Gordin

By Callie Thomas

Duane Gordin has been in the U.S. Air Force for the past twenty-three years. As an Air Force wife, Dana has come to know a thing or two about moving around. The couple has had an opportunity to see several parts of the country as well as Germany and amass a variety of life experiences. Their first son was born in Nebraska, but since that time, Duane was also stationed in Ohio, Virginia, Kansas and Hawaii, where they welcomed the birth of another son. Five years ago, the family became residents of Nevada. While they learned a lot while living at each duty station, they didn’t count on learning about children’s food allergies. The 89052 residents have since become experts of sorts, through their experiences with their young boys.

After a scary occurrence at school, the couple sought medical treatment. At the time, no one had told them that their child’s food allergies were potentially life threatening. There were no warnings to avoid the food in the future, to have their children tested to confirm their allergies or that they should carry epinephrine at all times. Out of frustration, the couple found the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN) online. They have since become members and learned a great deal to keep their boys safe. The Gordin family has become integrally involved with the organization with Duane and Dana working as volunteer directors for the Walk for Food Allergy in Nevada. As their sons have grown, they’ve made it their choice to help spread food allergy awareness. Duane and Dana talk about their involvement with FAAN, the upcoming Walk for Food Allergies this October and coming together as a family to help others.

You have both been key leaders for every FAAN Walk in Las Vegas since its inception in 2009?

“Yes. In honor of food allergic children, the first year we volunteered as the FAAN Walk for Food Allergy Logistics Chair and the past three years as the FAAN Walk Directors in Nevada. We personally know parents who have lost their children to food allergies. There are no words to adequately describe their loss.”

What is the ultimate goal of the Walk?

“To raise awareness throughout Nevada about food allergies and anaphylaxis. Two thousand residents of Las Vegas are expected to walk this year with family teams and company teams at The District at Green Valley Ranch.”

Tell us about the influence the Walk has made on the Clark County School District regarding Food Allergies.

“FAAN and CCSD have created a wonderful partnership. FAAN’s involvement in Las Vegas has been for two initiatives. Educate Las Vegas by way of the Community Outreach Grant from the Las Vegas Walk (educating ER staff, EMTs and restaurants) and the FAAN/CDC Cooperative Agreement, which is to educate the staff in the Clark County School District on best practices, create written food allergy management guidelines to protect the estimated 23,000 students with potentially life threatening food allergies and assist in policy change. FAAN generated over $30,000 to train and guide all 15,000 CCSD personnel in proactive food allergy management. It has definitely been a team effort!”

The number of those afflicted with Food Allergies continues to rise?

“Yes. The numbers have skyrocketed to more than 78,000 Clark County residents with food allergies. Even trace amounts of food allergens can cause severe allergic reaction, anaphylaxis and can be life threatening. Prompt administration of epinephrine (also known as an EpiPen) can save lives, but unfortunately there is no cure.”

As a family, you are passionate about giving back to the community.

“It means that we are part of something larger than ourselves and we’re making a difference for the fifteen million Americans and one in thirteen children that suffer from potentially life threatening food allergies. We love how our boys have grown from FAAN and how it has brought out ‘the best’ in them, so together we are working hard to give back.”

What’s it like when you see the community come together to make a difference?

“It’s so great to see everyone coming out to help this medical condition that affects so many Americans. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we can walk to save a life.”

For information on the walk, visit www.foodallergywalk.org/LasVegas_NV12.