The Inside Press

Magazines serving the communities of Northern Westchester

Ella Ilan

Armonk Teen Develops Spanish Language App

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… to Facilitate Wider Access to Healthcare for Spanish-Speaking Immigrants

Jennifer DiCapua, a 17-year-old high school senior at Sacred Heart Greenwich from Armonk, NY, saw a problem and sought an innovative solution when she was merely 14 years old. Jennifer designed and developed a mobile app, Salud por Todos, which translates to Health for All.

The app, which targets the Spanish speaking immigrant community, can be accessed anonymously by users to search for doctors using an array of customized filters, including payment options, language spoken, and whether patients require government ID. This easy-to-use app makes it possible for a Spanish-speaking immigrant without health insurance, for example, to quickly identify a doctor from the safety of their phone who speaks Spanish and has a sliding scale payment plan available. Jennifer started this project as a high school freshman as part of her school’s science research program.

To compile the database on Salud por Todos of over 6,000 providers across the Bronx, Westchester and Fairfield counties, Jennifer used a variety of publicly available online sources. She further contacted community programs for marginalized populations to direct her to providers, and reviewed providers’ websites to verify their information.

Inspired by Family and a Passion for Community Service

Jenny with her grandmother

Jennifer was inspired by her father, who immigrated to the U.S. as a child from South America and grew up facing healthcare challenges but eventually broke through barriers to find success and become a doctor himself. Her father’s interest in medicine was partly fueled by his experience being quarantined by the Department of Health for six weeks as a child with whooping cough. Jennifer’s passion for this subject was further guided by her childhood experiences visiting her grandmother weekly and befriending other children in her grandmother’s building in a predominantly Spanish speaking immigrant community in New Rochelle.

“Visiting my grandmother, I would interface with members of the Latinx community and observed the struggles they were facing while accessing healthcare. The barriers they faced included language, fear of deportation, lack of insurance, and government ID requirements,” explains Jennifer. “I compared that to my own life where my parents were able to easily book and pay for my healthcare appointments. That disparity really spoke to me.”

Believing healthcare is a human right but observing some of her childhood friends struggle to access proper healthcare while dealing with teen pregnancy and mental health issues, Jennifer wanted to do something about it.

“Seeing how my life has gone one way and their lives have gone another way has deeply impacted me,” says Jennifer. “I am so grateful for those friends that I grew up with because I remember so fondly the innocence of childhood, playing games and having dinner together, watching tv and having sleepovers. There were underlying things beneath the surface that, as a child, I didn’t understand. Now, I realize they taught me something that I didn’t know I was learning at the time. I now understand the different ways that life can take you.”

Jennifer’s father, Dr. John DiCapua says, “It’s very humbling to have your daughter reach back into your family history and bring that into what they want to do in the future. I lived that life, and we figured out a way to prosper the American dream but so many of the people I call my friends and family struggled and the fact that she’s latched onto that community to help them and figure out ways to provide value, it’s more than proud – it reaches to my history, so yes, I’m very proud of her.”

“Jennifer has persevered through challenges along the way with energy and positivity and a commitment to serving others. It’s that aspect of her personality that I’m most proud of,” says her mom, Christine DiCapua.

On Accessing Healthcare

Jenny with her dad and her grandmother (who passed away) both of whom inspired her to come up with the idea for Salud por Todos

Jennifer’s research led her to one of Westchester’s treasured resources, Open Door Family Medical Centers, which has been providing healthcare in Westchester for over fifty years. Open Door is one of over 60 federally qualified community health centers that receive government funds to provide care to anyone in the community regardless of their ability to pay. They treat over 60,000 patients at six different care sites in Westchester and Putnam Counties, and one dedicated dental site in Ulster County.

Dr. Daren Wu, Chief Medical Officer of Open Door, explains that he and his fellow clinicians manage many chronic conditions for patients who often do not want to go to a specialist because of whatever challenges they have in their lives, whether transportation, finances, or language. “Here, at Open Door, we take care of all the cardiac issues, diabetes, etc. so we get to help out a patient population that is well-deserving and we get to practice a lot of medicine.”

If patients ultimately do require specialists, Open Door has advocates that work with patients in their language to help navigate our very complex medical system.

“When patients delay their care because of a perceived access issue, this delay directly translates into higher complexity costs, morbidity and mortality,” says Dr. Wu. “If we can use Jennifer’s good work to get patients into the care they need earlier rather than later, that actually is transformative.”

Jennifer’s future goals are to continue verifying provider information for the app and eventually expanding the database so she could help different populations. She is currently applying to college and is interested in universities where she can focus on this type of research, community outreach and continuing to develop innovations to help minority populations.

Despite being very busy working on her app, Jennifer still finds time to be a normal teenager. She particularly loves to cook and try out traditional family recipes, like her grandmother’s empanadas.

For more information on Salud por Todos, go to saludportodos.org. For information on Open Door, go to opendoormedical.org.

Eye Designs Delivers Precision and High Style in Eyewear

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My first impression upon walking into Eye Designs in Armonk Town Center is that I have walked into a carefully curated museum with display cases exhibiting eyeglass frames as beautiful as works of art. However, far from the austere feel of a museum, this boutique optical shop is warm and inviting. Combining a natural instinct for choosing the right frames for every customer and 40 years of experience, store manager and optician Jaime Herman exudes a sense of warmth and competence.

Jaime (right) and Alex Herman
PHOTO BY CAROLYN SIMPSON

Exceptional Customer Service

Eye Designs has been in Armonk for 23 years and has developed a reputation for great customer service. A Westchester Magazine “Best of Westchester” winner, with another location in Scarsdale, the business focuses on meeting customers’ needs. When choosing frames for someone, Herman strives to get to know them, find out what they have worn in the past, and see if they are looking for a change.

“There is a certain trust there and I take that seriously,” says Herman. “It’s a big part of someone’s appearance and they’re allowing me to help them with this. If someone doesn’t know what works for their face shape, I can guide them. I know within a second of putting a pair of frames on you, if it’s right and if it will work.”

It is precisely this personal touch that differentiates Eye Designs from chain stores and online retailers of eyeglasses.

“For me, the excitement of the business is buying frames and then putting them on a customer’s face and then having them walk out in public and be noticed,” says Herman. “I’ve been doing it close to 40 years and it still keeps me invigorated.”

Meeting all your Eyewear Needs

From eye health to eyewear fashion, Eye Designs has you covered. With optometrist Dr. Janet Woo on staff, the store is a full-service optical shop. They administer eye exams, fit contact lenses, and do free repairs for glasses bought there or elsewhere. They also carry an extensive collection of children’s frames.

A typical visit to the store might start with an eye exam by Dr. Woo to check the health of your eyes and to determine the visual correction required. Upon obtaining a prescription, the fun begins working with Herman and the staff to choose the frame and figure out the best lens. Whether needing progressive lenses, transition lenses, anti-glare coatings, or computer lenses, customers are expertly guided to the right lens for them.

Of course, with summer approaching, Eye Designs is fully stocked with great sunglass frames to get you ready for the beach. Whether with or without prescription lenses, Eye Designs can fit you with stylish sunglasses that will keep your eyes protected.

A Fine-Tuned Selection

Eye Designs carries a high-end collection of unique frames. Herman has traveled to optical shows all over the world to assemble the right mix of frames and stay on top of the trends for his clientele. Hailing from France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Denmark, and across the globe, lines they carry include Anne & Valentin, Blake Kuwahara, Dabrach, Face a Face, Mykita, Lindberg, and many more.

Prices for frames generally range from $300 up to $1000. A pair of progressive glasses which adjust for close-up, middle distance, and far vision can range from $1000 to $1500. Herman does have some budget frames available.

“People are spending a nice amount of money on their glasses so they have to feel confident that they’re getting their money’s worth, that they’re getting the right thing, that they’re going to be taken care of, and that once they walk out the door, they’re not alone with their glasses,” says Herman.

Rave Reviews from Happy Customers

Herman is most proud of the fact that people that have been coming to the store for years are almost like family. He has a comfortable and easygoing relationship with many customers. Some will text him to see when he is going to be in the store or just to ask a question. The store has maintained its success because people recommend their friends and relatives.

“There is no reason to go into the city to get your eyewear,” says longtime Armonk resident and Eye Designs customer Lauren Miller Cogan. “Jaime has the unique ability to determine where you are in the fashion spectrum and find a frame that suits you. My family has been going to Eye Designs for 21 years and I just love him. He’s so great.”

Another longtime Armonk resident, Stacy Wilder, says “Ever since they opened 23 years ago, Eye Designs has been my family’s go-to place for eyeglasses. Of course it’s important to see well–and they are masters at getting the prescription right– but when you wear glasses all day, every day, it’s also nice to have many great choices and the latest, best quality frames. Jaime and the staff always go above and beyond, provide honest opinions, and are happy to make any necessary adjustments whenever needed.”

“I want people to know that the knowledge and experience that we have here can pretty much guarantee that they’ll have a great experience coming to the store,” says Herman. “Moreover, the customer service that we provide will assure them that their hard-earned dollars will be spent properly here.”

Eye Designs is located at 575 Main Street in Armonk, NY. They can be reached at (914) 273-7337. eyedesignsofwestchester.com

Armonk Firefighter Julie Gallagher Offers Life-Saving Skills to an Appreciative Community

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Julie Gallagher with local participants of her free CPR Education course. Assisted by Richard Greenwald.  PHOTO BY Donna Mueller

Julie Gallagher has been teaching free CPR classes at the Armonk firehouse for six years. Gallagher is the Byram Hills High School nurse, a local mom of four, and a volunteer firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician (“EMT”) with the Armonk Fire Department. CPR, which stands for cardiopulmonary resuscitation, is an emergency lifesaving procedure performed when the heart stops beating. According to the American Heart Association, immediate CPR can double or triple chances of survival after cardiac arrest.

Gallagher was a hospital nurse for twenty years before she came to Byram Hills as a school nurse. She was inspired to offer free CPR classes six years ago during her firefighter training when trainees were asked to ponder how to make their communities safer. Having taught CPR through the American Heart Association for ten years prior to that, she decided that offering CPR classes was something she could do to make her community safer.

On a recent February evening, Gallagher was surprised to see 20 new emails in her inbox inquiring about her CPR class. Initially confused about the sudden peak in interest, she discovered that a local resident who had just taken the class raved about it in a social media post in the Armonk Parents Facebook group.

The two-hour class, which is offered the first Thursday of every month at the Armonk firehouse, 7-9 p.m., or a maximum of 10 people, quickly booked up into May and felt like it had become the hottest ticket in town after the social media shout-out. 

Gina DeCrescenzo, the local resident who praised the class in her Facebook post said, “I decided to take the class because we have a 9-month-old at home and the idea of not knowing how to save his life if something happened is inconceivable. I saw the class advertised outside of the firehouse and thought “why not?” 

Gallagher teaches “Bystander CPR,” specifically taught for situations where there is no available doctor or nurse or you are not in a healthcare facility. The class is available to anyone over 12 years of age as students must be strong enough to complete the skills. A decent amount of strength is required to successfully complete chest compressions which involves the ability to push down two inches into the chest cavity repeatedly over a sustained period. Students must also have the agility to get down on the floor to do the work.

“Bystander CPR saves lives because they know what to do, they know what to look for, and they get their hands on people right away and that can actually make the difference regarding whether someone survives or not,” explains Gallagher. “The most important part is doing it before the ambulance comes. When we come, we are going to do everything we need to do but if nothing was done or if it was done improperly, then there’s no circulation to the brain and when that starts going past five minutes, there’s permanent brain damage done that cannot be reversed.”

The Armonk Fire Department is a volunteer fire department so oftentimes, the firefighters are being paged at home. Upon receiving a page, they drive to the firehouse, get on the apparatus, and drive to the scene. “If there’s no CPR done for five to seven minutes,” warns Gallagher, “that person’s chances of survival are very slim.”

According to Armonk Fire Department Second Assistant Chief Terence Carthy, the average response time of the first arriving unit, usually a Chief, from January 1, 2021 to March 5, 2022 was 3:38:57. “The ambulance or fire truck is usually going to be about three to six minutes behind a Chief, depending on the location of the incident,” says Carthy.

“I’m really passionate about teaching this amazing life-saving skill and it can make such a difference as to whether someone survives or not,” says Gallagher.

“I teach a lot of new moms and dads, which I love,” she says. Many new parents are concerned about choking but all students get the full class which includes adult and infant CPR, choking, and how to use an AED (Automated External Defibrillator). This class does not automatically provide an official certification, but Gallagher can help submit paperwork and facilitate certification upon request and payment of required fees for people who need a certification card.

“Julie was extremely impressive and the class taught me CPR in a way that I never understood or appreciated it before,” says DeCrescenzo. “She starts out saying that the emergency response time here in Armonk can be up to 7-10 minutes and there is little to no chance someone would survive if they were unresponsive without proper CPR being done until medics arrive. If that is not a reason to go to this class and learn these skills, nothing is! It would be amazing if all our residents would take this class so that if someone stops breathing at a local park or in DeCiccos, for example, we could have a real chance to help each other, to save a life!” 

Community Outreach

The free CPR class is just one of the amazing community programs provided by the Fire Department. Carthy, who has been part of the department since 2012, organizes firehouse tours for school children and groups like the boy scouts and girl scouts in the community. The biggest annual event takes place in the Spring in partnership with the preschool association. About 150 students cycle through in small groups over the course of two days. This effort requires careful coordination and extra dedication from the fire department as there must be ample members available to respond to emergency calls while the tours are ongoing. The tours include demonstrations, an overview of fire safety, and letting the kids interact closely and familiarize themselves with the firefighters so that they can trust them if they are ever in a fire.

“We let them go into the fire trucks with the lights on, spray a firefighter with a water can, and give them a general overview of how the fire department works,” explains Carthy. “We often try and accomplish a dual objective and show the parents what we are all about as a volunteer agency because so many people think we are a paid department and are expecting a paid service. Ultimately, one of our biggest goals besides education is recruitment because we rely on a lot of people giving a little bit of time.”

Besides these programs, Gallagher also teaches first aid classes to local Scout groups and holds babysitting courses upon request.

The Fire Department Family

Volunteering with the Armonk Fire Department is a great source of pride and very rewarding for its members. They are always looking to recruit new members.

Gallagher decided to join the Fire Department six years ago because she wanted an “empty nest plan” for when her youngest graduated high school. Looking for something to do with the extra time on her hands, she got her EMT certification and then dove in head first and became a firefighter.

“I absolutely love my fire department family; they are right up there with my family,” says Gallagher. “It’s an incredible group of giving people who give tremendous amount of time to making sure that this town stays safe. Any time of the night or day, we drag ourselves out of bed and go to somebody’s house and it’s just amazing that people do that and then get up and go to work the next day. I’m hoping I can do it for a lot longer. Every day is a gift.” 

“Every single one of us has a full-time job, many of us have kids, people have demanding schedules working jobs in downtown Manhattan and still are able to do it because we work with people to find the time in their schedule,” says Carthy. “I think most people who join the department end up loving it.”

“You join to help people but that’s not what gets you going at 3 a.m. when you’re on your third night call,” says Carthy. “At that point, you’re doing it because you care about the Armonk Fire Department as an entity being successful. We take a lot of pride in covering our calls. Other departments in the community will call us because they unfortunately are not always able to cover their calls. We never have that problem.”

Carthy encourages anyone who may be interested to stop by the firehouse to talk more in-depth about joining and to get a realistic sense of the commitment.

For more information about the Fire Department or to join, go to www.armonkfd.com. To register for a CPR class, send an email to cpr@armonkfd.com.

Celebrating the Byram Hills Girls Varsity Tennis Team’s Win of a Historic State Championship

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Emerging victorious and making our community proud, the Byram Hills High School girls’ varsity tennis team captured the title of New York State Public High School Athletic Association state champions on November 5, 2021 when they defeated Friends Academy 5-0 at the Billie Jean King National Training Center in Queens. 

Finishing their undefeated season with a 22-0 record, they are the first girls’ team in any sport in Byram Hills’ 55-year history to win a state championship and only the third team in Byram Hills’ history overall. 

“For any varsity team to go undefeated through the regular season, repeat it through the post-season and then win the first state championship for the girls in school history, is special and rare,” says Rob Castagna, Byram Hills’ Director of Health, Physical Education and Athletics. “Accomplishing this in a particularly long season that started back in August says a lot about them as student athletes. To juggle their academics week to week for the duration and then to perform at such a high level on the courts is impressive.”

The victory was especially sweet for the nine seniors on the team who did not get to play much as juniors due to an abbreviated season last year because of covid concerns.

Head coach Michael Racanelli, who led the girls to victory and was recently named LoHud coach of the year, explained that the season began much earlier than the first day of tryouts in August. 

“It started with a meeting in the off-season in January 2021 where I let them know that if they put their minds to it and worked hard, they could be anything they want in this world, including champions. We laid out a road map of what it would take to win a championship, which included great leadership, a willingness to work harder in the off-season than ever before and a determination to improve our physical and mental skills. The girls spent the winter, spring and summer months preparing as best they could. The team admitted to me just recently that they didn’t totally believe a championship was possible until we started this magical run.”

In addition to the team’s historic accomplishments there were record-setting individual performances. 

Alyssa Margolin, senior captain and the #1 singles player on the team, finished in third place at the New York State singles championships. That finish was the best finish for any Byram Hills tennis player, boy or girl, in Byram Hills history. Alyssa was recently named the Westchester/Putnam Tennis Player of The Year and is also a Con Ed athlete of the week winner. 

Teammates junior Chloe Bernstein and freshman Jenna Kleynerman also finished in third place at the New York State doubles championships which tied the best doubles finish by any boy or girl in Byram Hills history. Alyssa Margolin and her sister Ellie had previously set the mark in 2018 and 2019. 

No stranger to undefeated seasons, the team has, in fact, been undefeated for the past three seasons. Since 2019, the team has gone 38-0.

The team was celebrated by cheering fans on November 14th with a parade down Main Street in Armonk, a marching band, and the girls riding on a decorated truck announcing them as state champions. After a ceremony with school and town officials on the North Castle Town Hall steps, they walked over to add the team to the sign commemorating the school’s state champions on Route 128. They join the 2007 boys’ varsity soccer team and 2015 varsity baseball team as the only Byram Hills teams to capture a state title.

“Winning the championship title was the perfect way to finish off my final season,” says Margolin. “I think it truly reflected the dedication, training, and sportsmanship that the team demonstrated this season and the last four years, and I am very proud to have been a part of it. It was incredible to see the support of the school, community, and the town supervisor Mike Schiliro and New York State Senator Shelley Mayer. The parades and recognition were unparalleled and something all of us will remember for the rest of our lives.”

“I remember the coach telling us last spring that there was going to be a team state tournament this coming season and that we were going to win it. I walked away from that meeting thinking he was crazy and that that was never going to happen,” admits senior captain Chloe Siegle.

It was incredible to see the support of the school, community, and the town supervisor Mike Schiliro and New York State Senator Shelley Mayer. The parades and recognition were unparalleled and something all of us will remember for the rest of our lives.”  – Alyssa Margolin, Senior Captain

“However, as we started practicing and playing matches, I could see how badly we all wanted it. Match after match, our dream seemed like it was coming closer. The one thing that I think helped us go all the way was our team’s close relationship. I couldn’t have asked for a better team or season for my senior year. I will forever remember it and the significance of winning the first women’s state championship in Byram Hills history. I can’t wait to come home each year and drive by the sign remembering the incredible season I got to experience.”

“One thing that was special about this season was the way our team worked together,” says senior captain Sydney Levy. “We were always there for each other which really helped us throughout the season.  Also, being able to have a lot of fans this year was really special.  It is amazing to have so much support from our school district and town.”

Reciting the proverb “The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,” Racanelli declares, “the drive for the next championship begins right now.” 

There is no doubt this team has what it takes.

The team captains are Alyssa Margolin, Sydney Levy, Eva Shrayer and Chloe Siegle. The girls also on the team are Lily Anchin, Chloe Bernstein, Daphne Bernstein, Jordyn Bernstein, Allie Cooper, Elizabeth Deeks, Rebecca Geller, Jenna Kleynerman, Kate Levy, Julia Lucchino, Justine Maresco, Lila Raff, Skye Smith, Ari Tabankin, and Abby Yallof.

Photos courtesy of the Byram Hills School District

Local Moms of Food Allergic Kids Driven to Effect Change and Promote Awareness

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Food allergies affect approximately 5 percent of children and 4 percent of adults in the U.S, according to the National Institutes of Health. Food allergies can sometimes trigger a life-threatening anaphylactic reaction marked by constriction of the airways, making it difficult to breathe. Living with this threat, especially for parents of children with food allergies, is frightening and challenging. Part of the challenge is navigating a life where many people either are blissfully unaware of or simply do not appreciate the seriousness of food allergies.

The Importance of Spreading Awareness

Armonk mom Michelle Isban, as a former teacher, knows that educating the public is the best method to ensure that her food allergic daughter can live a healthy and safe life. Michelle’s achievements include having helped promote awareness at Armonk’s two playgrounds, IBM and Lombardi parks. Signs posted at the playgrounds list common food allergens and alert park-goers that allergic reactions can happen from tactile contact so children should only eat at designated picnic areas and wash their hands before using the equipment.

“Inclusivity is the most important thing to me,” says Isban. “If my daughter goes on the monkey bars right after a child who just ate peanut butter, she can have an anaphylactic reaction. I want her to feel like she can run safely onto the playground after soccer practice.”

Isban credits the Town of North Castle Recreation Department for their swift action in installing the signs upon her suggestion. “Matt Trainor, superintendent of the rec department was really open to it, raised it at a town board meeting, and got it approved. A few weeks later, the signs were up.”

Photo of mug and playground sign courtesy of Michelle Isban

“It’s upsetting when your child is excluded,” reveals another Armonk mom. “I don’t expect another parent to bake something for my child, but I’m angry when I don’t get a head’s up about a class party or when parents show up to soccer games or practices with Dunkin Donuts or cookies. Your child has to watch empty-handed as their friends delight in their delicious treat. With just a little notice, I can easily bring a comparable treat for my child.”

Ever since Isban’s daughter was diagnosed with allergies, Isban has advocated for her daughter and for food allergic children. With the help of a lawyer, she helped get a 504 plan, the first in Byram Hills granted for food allergies. Section 504 of The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 requires public schools to offer accommodations for eligible students with disabilities. Now, other families in the district can more freely obtain this legally binding plan to address how the school will accommodate their child’s food allergies.

Isban also started an Instagram page called allergymomwithamission where she recommends new food brands without common allergens and collaborates with companies that make allergy-safe food products. Every Wednesday, she shares a food allergy hero, a young child or teen, and what they are doing in the food allergy community.

Isban uses any opportunity presented to spread awareness. She donates children’s books about food allergies to the school, she organized the Teal Pumpkin Drive in Armonk to collect non-food items for Halloween, she has co-chaired walks for the non-profit Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE), and helped organize the 2019 Shoot For A Cure fundraiser at Breezemont Day Camp for the non-profit End Allergies Together (EAT) that raised over $60,000.

A teacher at heart, she will never pass up a teachable moment. Once on an airplane, hearing another passenger complain that peanuts were not being served, Isban approached the woman and explained that her daughter could have an anaphylactic reaction if a bag of peanuts was opened and the dust circulated in the air. She offered to share her own granola bar with the woman.

“I teach my daughter that food allergies don’t define you but they are part of you so it’s important to teach other people,” says Isban. “Everyone can make a difference and you don’t have to stay quiet.”

Legislation Passed That Can Save Lives

Chappaqua mom Stacey Saiontz, a former lawyer, has also committed to using her skills to advocate for legislation to make the world a safer and more inclusive place for people with food allergies. Her 13-year-old son, who has 26 food allergies, has been her driving force.

Mission Accomplished! Stacey Saiontz with family and friends following Governor Cuomo signing a bill giving bus drivers a green light to administer epinephrine in an emergency situation.

Twelve years ago, Saiontz had an idea to create a law that would require all New York State teachers to be trained to recognize a child in anaphylaxis and how to administer an epinephrine auto-injector. While at a child’s birthday party whose grandfather was a state senator, she approached the senator with her idea and he encouraged her to draft proposed legislation, which he later sponsored. Sadly, this bill has taken turns getting passed in either the senate or the assembly, but never both. Saiontz continues to push for this Teacher Training Bill (A523), which is currently being sponsored by Assembly member Linda Rosenthal.

She has since advocated, along with other Chappaqua parents, for multiple bills that have passed into law. Senate bill S7262A allows schools to stock epinephrine auto injectors and permits them to be administered in emergency situations without a prescription.

“Many kids try foods at school that they may not know they are allergic to and they can have a reaction. Previously, nurses’ hands were tied and they couldn’t use an EpiPen on a child without a prescription,” explains Saiontz. “A throat can close within seconds to minutes depending on the reaction and waiting for an ambulance could result in death.”

Another bill Saiontz helped pass into law, Assembly bill A09334B, allows students to self-carry EpiPens in schools. Thanks to this law, students could carry EpiPens in their backpacks and go to their friends’ houses and on their friends’ buses with them after school.

A third bill was inspired by Saiontz’ son when he was in the 4th grade and really wanted to take the bus but bus drivers were not authorized to administer epinephrine. Saiontz included her son in the whole process, brought him to Albany, and he proposed a law allowing bus drivers to administer epinephrine. Assembly bill A7635A was passed into law.

Saiontz is currently working on restaurant legislation in New York State that would require training of restaurant personnel and adding allergens to the menu. On the federal level, Saiontz and fellow local advocates advocated for the passage of the FASTER (Food Allergy Safety, Treatment, Education, and Research) Act that now requires sesame to be labeled on packaged food.

Saiontz has been bringing her son with her to Albany to advocate since he was 4-years old, along with a group of fellow parents and their kids.

“I don’t want him to feel sorry for himself.

I want him to see what he can do to make life better for him and others,” emphasizes Saiontz.