Cougars benefit peanut allergy sufferers

GENEVA, Ill. -- The Kane County Cougars are designating the Monday, July 9 game as a "Peanut-Free Night" at Elfstrom Stadium. The 6:30 p.m. contest between the Cougars and Wisconsin Timber Rattlers will be free of any peanuts or peanut ingredients on the Elfstrom Stadium grounds, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for Chicago-area families of children with peanut allergies. There will be no sales of peanuts or peanut-related products throughout the entire ballpark, and players of both teams will abstain from using foods containing peanuts or peanut ingredients.

Peanut and tree nut (pecans, walnuts, almonds, etc.) allergies affect approximately three million Americans, and are the leading cause of food allergic reactions. Those with peanut allergies typically experience gastrointestinal, respiratory and skin symptoms, and are strictly forced to avoid peanuts and peanut ingredients. When an allergic reaction occurs, treatment typically involves the use of epinephrine, otherwise known as "adrenaline," that is available by prescription as a device for self-injection. Currently, there are no medications that cure food allergies.

"A 'Peanut-Free Night' follows the Kane County Cougars' philosophy of giving every family an opportunity to enjoy our unique experience," Cougars general manager Jeff Sedivy said. "No child should ever be excluded from being a part of a baseball game. More than half a million fans come to Elfstrom Stadium each season, and a night such as this one is truly meant for those who face the difficulties associated with peanut allergies."

The Cougars are expecting several local food allergy chapters to participate in the event, including the Illinois Food Allergy Education Association, POCA of DuPage (Parents of Children with Allergies), and MOCHA (Mothers of Children with Allergies).

Ever since the organization's inception in 1991, the Kane County Cougars have been at the forefront of affordable and family-friendly fun in the Chicagoland area. The Cougars, Class A affiliate of the Oakland Athletics, have averaged more than half a million fans in each of the last six seasons. Nearly 100 former Cougars players have reached the Major League level, including Dontrelle Willis, Miguel Cabrera and Josh Beckett.

Tickets for the 'Peanut-Free Night' on July 9 can be ordered by calling the Cougars at (630) 232-8811 or at www.kccougars.com online. That evening, gates to the ballpark will open at 4:30 p.m., and first pitch is slated for 6:30 p.m.