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Welcome to the Canadian Food Allergy Immunotherapy (FAIT) Foundation

Mission

Canadian Food Allergy Immunotherapy (FAIT) Foundation

The mission of the Canadian FAIT Foundation is to fund groundbreaking research initiatives to advance the treatment of food allergies. We are proud to raise funds for the FAIT Program, a research program whose goal is to develop and deliver food allergy treatment to all families in BC who desire it. The FAIT program is based at the University of British Columbia and BC Children’s Hospital Research Institute. In the future, we hope to raise funds for food allergy treatment research across Canada.

Accolades &

Achievements

500+

Patients Treated

$60k

Raised

17

Sponsors

01

Patients Treated

In British Columbia and beyond, the demand for food allergy treatment is increasing, and innovative solutions to expand access to treatment in a cost-effective way are needed, including delivering treatment to patients living in remote areas, and patients from all socioeconomic backgrounds. The goal of the FAIT program is to bring food allergy treatment to all families in the province who desire it, as well as share our protocols more broadly across Canada and internationally.


The FAIT program is working towards a future where patients no longer have to worry about their food allergy, which will ultimately lead to improvements in quality of life, and prevention of anxiety, bullying, and social isolation.
 

Imagine after a few years of treatment in the FAIT program, a child with a previous near-fatal reaction to peanut can now safely eat a peanut butter sandwich without fear.

Fundraising Efforts

Proceeds from the Inaugural Festivus for FAIT in November 2023 exceeded $60K and were used by the FAIT program to purchasing an ImageXplorer machine to analyze over 300 individual food allergens with one blood sample. This machine will be used for FAIT research projects this year.

 

Proceeds from fundraising efforts in 2024 will support the Adolescent Transition FAIT Program, a new research program specifically designed for adolescents with food allergies as they prepare to transition to adult care. Contributions will directly fund research to understand the challenges faced by adolescents with food allergy as they transition to adult care, and to identify and implement solutions to bridge the gap. Examples of research projects include tailoring food allergy treatment protocols for busy adolescents who are starting university or traveling internationally, and digital solutions to allow easy tracking of symptoms and adherence to daily dosing.

03

Sponsors & Partners

The FAIT team has grown to include several allergists, a research manager, a program secretary, research nurses, and a research dietitian. In its short history, the FAIT program — in conjunction with national collaborators — has provided clear evidence of the safety and effectiveness of oral immunotherapy (OIT) in infants and preschoolers, and is undertaking similar work in the area of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) for older children and adolescents. It has also attracted academic allergist trainees from Hong Kong, Denmark, and Australia, who are interested in learning about the success of the FAIT program in B.C.
 

© 2024 by Canadian FAIT (Food Allergy Immunotherapy) Foundation 

© 2024 by Canadian FAIT (Food Allergy Immunotherapy) Foundation 

canadianfaitfoundation.org

© 2024 by Canadian FAIT (Food Allergy Immunotherapy) Foundation 

© 2024 by Canadian FAIT (Food Allergy Immunotherapy) Foundation 

canadianfaitfoundation.org

Current Fundraisers

01

2nd Annual Festivus for FAIT

Science World, Vancouver, BC

November 28, 2024

02

Taylor Swift Eras Tour Ticket Raffle

June 21-November 28 2024

President

Daniel Sharp

Dan Sharp has been the CEO/Owner of Western Allergy for over 36 years. Western Allergy proudly supports Allergists in Canada with both diagnostic testing materials and bespoke allergy immunotherapy for their patients. Dan spearheaded the very first clinical trial of sublingual immunotherapy in North America over 20 years ago and is passionate about evidence driven emerging allergy treatments. His philanthropic work includes the BC Cancer Foundation, UVIC Alumni, The Victoria Symphony and numerous other groups, now including FAIT. Dan has 2 grown sons and lives in Victoria with his wife Pam and 2 gigantic goofy dogs. He speaks terrible French and Spanish.

Vice-President

Tim Lo

Tim Lo practised as a lawyer, patent & trade-mark agent for 20 years before retiring from the partnership of Smart & Biggar to become a stay at home dad to his 2 then pre-teen children.  During his years of study at UBC, Tim was highly involved with the AMS, UBC's student society, including being elected as one of the society's executives.  Tim remained involved with the UBC community after graduation, including stints on the board of the UBC Alumni Association and as a Convocation Senator. During his law practice, Tim held various committee positions with the International Trademark Association, contributed written materials to and taught courses for the Continuing Legal Education Society of BC, and was an adjunct professor at both UBC and UVic.  Tim has recently joined the governance committee of the Dr Peter Centre.    

Treasurer 

Christian Sharp

Christian Sharp is an advocate for allergy awareness and innovative diagnostics, with a strong background in the pharmaceutical industry and entrepreneurship. With over six years at Western Allergy, a Canadian allergy pharmaceutical company and as President and Co-Owner of Sleep Hygienics Ltd., he has created niche veterinary medical device bedding. Christian developed the IgE Dry Blood Spot Test "AllerDetect," aligning with telemedicine trends. His work in allergy immunotherapy and diagnostics has established him as a trusted professional in healthcare. Holding an MBA and certifications in data analytics, digital marketing, and project management, Christian enhances allergy diagnostics and treatment through his comprehensive expertise.

Secretary

Katie Walsh

Katie Walsh is deeply engaged in raising awareness and providing support for food allergy research, inspired by her role as a parent of a FAIT program patient. With firsthand experience in navigating the challenges and benefits of food allergies and food allergy immunotherapy, Katie brings a personal and empathetic perspective to her advocacy work. Drawing from a background in early childhood development and child and youth care, Katie possesses a rich understanding of the needs and experiences of families and children. Her expertise extends to facilitating family support groups and offering parenting support, enabling her to address the diverse contexts and challenges faced by individual families.

Board Member

Kimberly Waines

Kim Waines Headshot.JPG

Kimberly Waines began her nursing career in Hamilton, Ontario, where she trained as a registered nurse. She then moved to Arizona to further specialize in ICU Nursing at Desert Samaritan Hospital. Upon returning to Canada, Kimberly earned her Asthma Education Diploma from the National Asthma Training Centre in the UK, which led to her role as an asthma and allergy educator at the Asthma Allergy Teaching Unit in Vancouver. In 2000, Kimberly transitioned into the pharmaceutical industry, focusing on asthma and allergy treatment. She played a pivotal role in launching innovative medications in this field and has since served as a Medical Science Liaison specializing in allergy immunotherapy. Currently, Kimberly is a dedicated Board Member of the Canadian Allergy Asthma Immunotherapy Foundation.

Founding board members

Blog

FAIT FORWARD
Navigating food allergies together

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Contact Us

Fill out our form or use the contact information below. Please expect a response within 24 hours.

info@canadianfaitfoundation.org

1-866-335-5294

Registered Canadian Charity | CRA #74727 6756 RR0001

© 2024 by Canadian FAIT (Food Allergy Immunotherapy) Foundation 

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