Anaphylaxis Canada would like to congratulate the recipients of the fourth annual Sabrina Shannon Memorial Award: Nick Pothier (Picton, ON) and Arianne Kirkey (St. Andrews, ON). Nick and Arianne were selected from a number of excellent applicants for their demonstrated commitment to raising awareness and educating others about severe allergies.
Nick is 19 years old and currently in his third year of Computer Science studies at the University of New Brunswick – Fredericton. Nick has been a long time allergy advocate starting with a grade 7 science fair project where he developed an allergy awareness video game to educate his classmates. Recently, Nick designed an Android smartphone application for youth with food allergies which will be launched in August. The app contains valuable allergy information and advice from allergic teens. He has also been an active member of the Anaphylaxis Canada’s Youth Advisory Panel, for which he has written blog articles, recorded podcasts, and developed and delivered various conference presentations.
Arianne is 23 years old and entering her fourth year of studies at the University of Ottawa. She believes that her food allergies have opened many doors for her and allowed her to share her passion to help others. She was a mentor in a online support study through the University of Alberta where she ran weekly support sessions for youth with food allergies. Arianne has a personal blog “Special Allergy Alert” that shares tips and knowledge on key areas such as managing allergies in high school and food allergy bullying. She has also been an active member of Anaphylaxis Canada’s Youth Advisory Panel, for which she has been a co-leader of an online mentorship committee that is planning its program launch later this year.
Anaphylaxis Canada would like to thank all of the award applicants for their initiative, creativity, and commitment to raising allergy awareness and educating others in their communities. We received many excellent applications from across the country, and selecting recipients was not an easy task.
The Sabrina Shannon Memorial Award is dedicated to the life of Sabrina Shannon, an inspiring teenager who suffered a fatal anaphylactic reaction in 2003. During her life, Sabrina worked to raise allergy awareness by creating the first-person radio documentary, “A Nutty Tale,” which aired on CBC radio in 2001. Since her passing, Sabrina’s parents and other members of the allergy community have kept her spirit alive by advocating for allergy-safe schools and communities. In 2005, Sabrina’s Law was passed in Ontario, providing landmark legislation that has influenced anaphylaxis policies in schools across Canada.
We are proud to honour Sabrina’s memory with this award and the Sabrina Shannon Legacy Fund.
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