Reflections from the FAACT Summit: Connecting Communities and Sharing Awareness

An inside look at the conference through the experience of TMS staff member Isabelle Charlot

From October 3 to 5, I attended the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Connection Team (FAACT) Allergy Summit in Oak Brook, Illinois. It was my first time at the event, and the room was filled with people who care deeply about allergy and immunology. The atmosphere felt caring and genuine, and the conversations throughout the weekend reflected that.

The summit was led by Eleanor Garrow Holding, FAACT’s President and CEO. Her leadership shaped the entire experience, and I appreciated the environment she and her team created. Their work brings people together in ways that make the experience feel supportive, and I was grateful to represent The Mast Cell Disease Society at this event.

During the company expo, I spent time at our TMS table and met organizations we know well and others I was meeting for the first time. Reconnecting with Austin Air, who partnered with us during last year’s TMS MastCellCon, was a highlight. Those conversations were a reminder of how deeply collective care matters for people managing allergies and mast cell conditions.

Across the educational sessions, the speakers shared insights that stayed with me. The workshop on content creation and authenticity offered guidance on how to communicate clearly and with purpose, and Dr. Zachary Rubin added a practical layer with his session on building a meaningful presence on social media. Taken together, what I learned offered a clearer picture of how I want to support our community through my work.

As the weekend went on, more attendees stopped by the TMS booth to connect with us and explore what mast cell diseases are. For many, it was their first opportunity to learn what these conditions involve. Watching people lean in with real questions reminded me why this work matters. Outreach helps someone feel supported as they begin to understand their day-to-day needs.

Looking back, what stands out most is the sense of community at the summit. Spending time with people who care about supporting others reinforced the purpose behind this work. I left with clarity and a renewed commitment to applying what I learned as we continue raising awareness with intention.