Westmoreland Review

When Jason and Ali's daughter was diagnosed with Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EoE), a rare disorder, they turned to research for guidance. The Murrysville-area family, confident in their medical background, believed that with the right treatment and precautions, they would manage the condition effectively.

EoE causes inflammation and narrowing of the esophagus, leading to symptoms such as difficulty swallowing and chest pains. It is closely associated with food allergies. Jason shared a distressing experience on Rare Disease Day. While dining out, despite careful ordering to avoid milk, eggs, or peanuts for their daughter, she experienced an allergic reaction. "I'm not sure if there was a trace of milk... but it didn't take long for her to say that her throat hurt," Jason recounted. Their daughter suffered from laryngospasm but recovered fully after prompt medical intervention.

Following this incident, Representative Jill Cooper learned about House Bill 1869, which she co-sponsored. This bipartisan bill aims to enhance food safety by requiring restaurants to display food allergy information prominently and include reminders on menus for customers to inform staff about allergies.

Food allergic reactions lead to numerous emergency room visits and fatalities annually in the United States. House Bill 1869 seeks to prevent such incidents by increasing awareness and communication regarding food allergies.

Reflecting on the Bauers' experience, Representative Cooper quoted Benjamin Franklin: "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." She emphasized that prevention involves expanding knowledge and improving communication.

In other news from Representative Cooper's office:

A Mobile License to Carry a Firearm event is scheduled for March 14 at the Murrysville Community Center. Staff from the Westmoreland County Sheriff's office will process applications for new and renewal licenses. Attendees can also meet Westmoreland County District Attorney Nicole Ziccarelli.

The PA ABLE Savings Program continues its growth in Pennsylvania, surpassing $100 million in assets. The program helps individuals with disabilities save for future expenses through tax-free savings options.

For more information about these initiatives or Representative Jill Cooper's work in the 55th Legislative District, visit jillCooper.com or Facebook.com/RepJillCooper.