Shelly Parks Recognized with 2019 Elizabeth Allen Award

Each year, APFED’s volunteer Board of Directors honors an APFED member who has shown a deep commitment to our mission and made significant contributions in the areas of research, education, advocacy, and awareness. APFED is pleased to present the 2019 Elizabeth Allen Award to Shelly Parks (pictured above with her mother and fiancé).

This award, named for one of APFED’s founders, recognizes an outstanding community member who goes above and beyond to make broad impact in the areas of APFED’s mission points of education, awareness, advocacy and research.

In 2016, Shelly Parks began her battle with hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES). Before becoming ill, she graduated with her second master’s degree at the age of 26, was a CrossFit competitor, and enjoyed life with her fiancé and their dog. Since her diagnosis, Shelly has dedicated her time and efforts to support patients with eosinophil-associated disease.

Shelly works to raise awareness and educate others about these conditions, both on local and national levels. This spring, she joined APFED at Medical Nutrition Hill Day in Washington, DC to share her story with legislators and seek support of the Medical Nutrition Equity Act, which is federal legislation that would provide insurance coverage of medical foods when prescribed to treat certain medical conditions.

She has also shared her perspective to inform stakeholders about meaningful therapies for HES patients, and most recently joined us as a panelist  at APFED’s 2019 Eos Connection Patient Education Conference, sharing her journey with HES.

In addition, Shelly has organized successful community fundraisers to support critical research needs in the hopes of finding a cure.

Please join us as we honor and celebrate Shelly’s contributions to our community. We are thankful for her generous spirit, her dedication to advancing education and treatments for HES, and the inspiration she offers to patients living with eosinophil-associated diseases!