Blanka Monasterio-Redelick is a Port resident who has become involved in food allergy awareness because of her son’s severe allergies. Monasterio-Redelick got involved in the Teal Pumpkin Project Long Island to help raise awareness about allergies and help those with allergies enjoy Halloween. “I am leading a fundraising event in partnership with Dominick Strippoli Jr., owner of North Shore Garden Center in Port Washington [at 53 Avenue A],” said Monasterio-Redelick. The event runs until Oct. 31.
“We have teal pumpkins and Halloween treat bags for sale at North Shore Garden Center for a $5 suggested donation. All the proceeds will go to FARE [Food Allergy Research and Education],” she added. People can put the teal pumpkin on display outside their home so trick-or-treaters know that non-allergy or non-food items will be given out at that house.
Monasterio-Redelick has lived in Port for about 10 years. She has two sons, Nicholas, 11, who attends Weber, and Michael, 9, who attends Daly. Michael has severe food allergies to peanuts, soy, fish, shellfish, tree nuts and all legumes. He also has severe non-food allergies to: Ibuprofen, cats, dogs, bees, mites, dust, mold, pollen and other allergens, according to Monasterio-Redelick. “Michael had severe anaphylaxis episodes throughout his life when in contact with the foods or non-food items. At the time of these life-threatening and scary events we weren’t aware he was allergic,” said Monasterio-Redelick. “Our eating habits and social life are measured by what I can cook at home, what restaurants we can dine out at and what events we can attend.”
Monasterio-Redelick continues, “I have taken the pledge to provide a safe environment for my child as well as other children who suffer from any type of food allergy, bringing awareness to my community, schools, friends and family. Halloween is such a big event for all that children and parents should feel safe and be able to enjoy a fun trick-or-treat stroll.”
Monasterio-Redelick has gotten involved in other ways as well. “About three weeks ago, I contacted FARE and I was welcomed and supported right away when I asked if I could start a campaign in my town as well as produce an ad campaign and documentary. Recently, I directed and coproduced it along with filmmaker and director Wilton Reynoso, on location in Port Washington at North Shore Garden Center. Dominick Strippoli Jr. and his family generously donated their space and the pumpkins needed in the film. The ad campaign will be ready this month.”
Monasterio-Redelick has these suggestions to get involved:
1. Take the pledge at www.foodallergy.org and register as a supporter of the project. It is free.
2. Buy or paint a pumpkin teal.
3. Place the teal pumpkin at your house and purchase non-food treats for trick-or-treaters with food allergies.
4. Share a photo of your teal pumpkin on Facebook at www.facebook.com/PortWashingtonNews.
View videos about the Teal Pumpkin Project here.
