New Britain Rock Cats Stadium in Connecticut will hold its annual Allergy Awareness baseball game on Sunday, July 18 so peanut-allergic families and fans can enjoy America’s favorite pastime without worrying about having an anaphylactic reaction.

More than 12 million Americans have food allergies and 3 million children live with peanut allergies, according to the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network (FAAN). The number of emergency room visits due to food-induced anaphylaxis in the U.S. ranges from 50,000 to 125,000 a year.

For an estimated 1 percent of all U.S. children who have peanut allergies, going to a baseball game – or the zoo, movies, circus or various other public events – is out of the question. An estimated 125 people die each year because of direct exposure to peanuts or nut-contaminated products.

New Britain Rock Cats Baseball exec John Willi had no idea how serious peanut allergies were until 6-year-old Nicholas Jones and his mother approached the stadium manager in 2001 about establishing a food-free section.

The family left after the first inning because they were concerned about potential peanut exposure. Willi couldn’t just stand by and do nothing. He established a food-free seating section, designated a separate entrance away from the concession stands, made sure vendors did not sell food products near the section and assigned special cleaning crews.

In 2002, Jones threw the first pitch and kicked off the team’s highly anticipated and popular Allergy Awareness event. The Rock Cats are one of the first few teams in the nation to recognize food allergies at its games.

“The response was overwhelming. Until then I never knew how prevalent this was and how much of an impact this would have on the kids affected,” said Willi. “I was moved when on that game day, I heard Nicolas and others tell their parents that it was the greatest day of their life.”

The Rock Cats sold out the food-free section and launched a campaign to host more games with seats dedicated to allergy families. The annual event attracts allergy families throughout the state.

In 2003, Willi received FAAN’s prestigious Mariel C. Furlong Award for Making a Difference.

The annual accolade recognizes individuals or organizations that have provided outstanding service or have made significant contributions to food allergy awareness, education, outreach or advocacy.

The award is significant for Willi. He became a first-time father that same year and not long after his son was born, doctors approached him during a routine check-up about potential food allergies. The issue had hit home for the baseball exec.

“Given a history of food allergies on my wife’s side of the family, the pediatrician was concerned he might develop nut allergies,” said Willi. “We had to keep him away from nut related products for three years. After going to the national conference and receiving the award I had an opportunity to learn about the issues, and felt well prepared to deal with it at home.”

“I also grew a real appreciation for what you and other parents need to deal with, and understand the magnitude and severity of the issue,” said Willi. “Awareness of food allergies, especially to nuts, is growing.”

Willi said he feels grateful that his team has an opportunity to play a significant role in increasing awareness and understanding for food allergies.

The Allergy Awareness game gained loyal fans for the Rock Cats and garnered attention from around the country as other baseball stadiums adopted similar events. This year, team officials anticipate more than 100 fans will attend the game specifically for the food-free section.

IF YOU GO:

What: New Britain Rock Cats vs. Minnesota Twins

Where: New Britain Stadium at Willow Brook Park in Connecticut

When: Sunday, July 18 at 1:30 PM

How to get there: Directions

Website: www.RockCats.com

Email: RockCats@RockCats.com