Food Allergy Awareness • Education • SafetyEpinephrine Saves Lives. Awareness Protects.Advancing early epinephrine use.Expanding access everywhere.

About US

The Love for Giovanni Foundation was created in memory of Giovanni Cipriano. Giovanni was born on August 18, 1999 and gained his angel wings on October 18, 2013 when he unfortunately lost the fight of food allergies.

He was such a beautiful boy. So loving, caring, helpful. Loved life. He is so very much missed by all. His sister is all alone without him. His friends loved him so much.The one thing that is consistent when they speak of him is how beautiful his smile was, how he was so happy, always goofing off, making everyone laugh; he knew if you were having a bad day he would ask if you were ok and find a way to make you feel better.He was a star athlete. He was a best friend, great cousin, Uncle. He was the best brother. He was my little boy, my little man. He took care of me, and I took care of him. He was my friend, my partner. He was the reason I did EVERYTHING I did. He was his dad’s pride and joy. To say his dad is lost without him is an understatement.He was an honor student. He knew to be helpful, to be of service, to be respectful. He knew how to seize the day and run with it.Giovanni’s loss is felt not just here in our family, in our community, but all over the country. Giovanni’s loss is awful, it is heart wrenching, it doesn’t make sense. If it has taught us one thing, it is that we know we don’t want anyone to ever have to feel the pain that we feel.

OUR MISSION

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The Love for Giovanni Foundation is dedicated to saving lives through food allergy education, expanding access to life-saving epinephrine, and driving legislative change.Inspired by Giovanni’s story, we advocate for informed, prepared, and compassionate communities by providing training, supporting policies like Gio’s Law that equip first responders with epinephrine, and ensuring access to epinephrine for all—regardless of age or income.

Our Aim Is:

  • ADVANCING IMPACT — FROM POLICY TO PREPAREDNESS

  • Advance Policy & Legislative Solutions

  • Support and expand programs like Gio’s Law, equipping and empowering law enforcement and first responders to carry and administer life-saving epinephrine

  • Promote legislation that increases access to epinephrine in schools, public spaces, and underserved communities

  • Advocate for policies that reduce the cost of epinephrine and improve accessibility for individuals and families

  • Educate & Train First Responders and the Public

  • Deliver food allergy and anaphylaxis training for police, EMTs, educators, and community leaders

  • Provide hands-on epinephrine training and emergency response education to increase preparedness, confidence, and rapid action

  • Expand Public Epinephrine Access

  • Advance initiatives to place emergency epinephrine in public settings including parks, libraries, transit systems, and entertainment venues

  • Partner with municipalities and businesses to implement sustainable epinephrine access programs, including donation and subsidy models

  • Empower Food Allergy Families & Advocates

  • Equip families with tools to navigate 504 plans, emergency action plans, and advocacy pathways

  • Foster a connected community through peer support, education, and shared lived experiences

  • Raise Awareness Through Giovanni’s Legacy

  • Share Giovanni’s story to humanize the realities of anaphylaxis and inspire meaningful action

  • Lead awareness campaigns that break stigma, increase understanding, and promote life-saving preparedness

  • Collaborate for Greater Impact

  • Build strategic partnerships with lawmakers, healthcare providers, school systems, and nonprofit organizations

  • Engage sponsors, media, and influencers to amplify reach and drive national awareness

  • Drive National & Global Awareness

  • Advance widespread understanding of life-threatening food allergies and anaphylaxis

  • Work toward a future where no life is lost due to lack of awareness, access, or timely epinephrine.

  • EPI FIRST, EPI EVERYWHERE™ | A Gio’s Law | Love for Giovanni Foundation Initiative

THE HARD TRUTH:

  • THE HARD TRUTH

  • Food allergies and anaphylaxis are a growing public health crisis—impacting millions of families, straining healthcare systems, and putting lives at risk every single day.

  • 1 in 10 adults and 1 in 13 children in the U.S. have a food allergy — roughly 2 students in every classroom

  • Over 33 million Americans are living with potentially life-threatening food allergies

  • More than 200,000 infants born each year are at risk of developing peanut allergy

  • A food allergy reaction sends someone to the emergency room every 3 minutes in the United States

  • 20–25% of epinephrine administrations in schools involve individuals with no previously known allergy

  • Anaphylaxis can become fatal within minutes if not treated immediately with epinephrine

  • Nearly 500,000 people in the U.S. are affected by Alpha-Gal Syndrome, a delayed, potentially life-threatening allergy to mammalian products

  • Food allergies carry a significant economic burden — $24.8 billion annually, averaging nearly $4,000 per child each year

  • Less than 2% of federal research funding is allocated to food allergy research

  • Critical Gaps in Prevention, Access, and Response

  • There is no cure for food allergies — strict avoidance remains the only form of prevention

  • Epinephrine is the only life-saving medication proven to stop anaphylaxis

  • Many families face financial barriers to accessing epinephrine, with costs exceeding hundreds of dollars

  • First responders are often first on the scene, yet many are still not equipped or trained to administer epinephrine

  • Prevention Starts Early — But Awareness Is Key

  • Emerging research highlights the importance of: Early allergen introduction, Skin barrier protection, eczema management and Vitamin D and early diagnosis

  • —but without widespread education and access, prevention opportunities are often missed.

  • Our Response

  • EPI FIRST, EPI EVERYWHERE™ | A Gio’s Law | Love for Giovanni Foundation Initiative

  • Because when every second counts, awareness, access, and immediate action are what save lives.

EDUCATION: KNOWLEDGE SAVES LIVES

image @Allergy Canada

Through our comprehensive food allergy and anaphylaxis training programs, we equip parents, schools, community organizations, and the public with the essential knowledge and tools to recognize, respond to, and manage allergic reactions and anaphylaxis emergencies with confidence.Our focus includes:Recognizing the early signs and symptoms of allergic reactions and anaphylaxis
Understanding when to act and how to respond in a medical emergency
Training in the proper use and immediate administration of epinephrine
Promoting allergy-safe and allergy-aware environments at home, in schools, and in public spacesGrounded in our life-saving mission —
EPI FIRST, EPI EVERYWHERE™ | A Gio’s Law | Love for Giovanni Foundation Initiative —
we emphasize the urgency of early epinephrine use and widespread preparedness.By advancing anaphylaxis awareness, epinephrine education, and emergency readiness, we are working to prevent avoidable tragedies and ensure that no one is unprepared when every second counts.

Support Group

FRIENDS HELPING FRIENDS — Food Allergy Support GroupRecognized by FAACT - Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Connection Team, our FRIENDS HELPING FRIENDS support group—founded through The Love for Giovanni Foundation—is dedicated to strengthening and supporting the food allergy community through connection, education, and shared experience.Our mission is to promote food allergy awareness, provide meaningful education, and create a safe, supportive space for individuals and families navigating life with food allergies.Through a variety of initiatives, we offer:– Support group meetings for families and caregivers
– Kid-friendly, food-safe events and playdates
– Community-building experiences that foster connection and understanding
–Educational resources to empower confident, informed decision-makingTogether, we are building a compassionate, informed community where no one feels alone in their journey.

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Donations are also greatly appreciated.

Our Footprint in Action

On MAY 5, 2016, Giovanni's mom made her way to the state capital to share Giovanni's story in hopes that it would help push legislation towards passing a bill that would enable public entities to stock epinephrine injectors.On SEPTEMBER 30, 2016 that bill (EATA, S6800 Hannon, A9357 Abinanti) called the EMERGENCY TREATMENT ACT became a law and was signed by Governor Cuomo.Hard work and perseverance pays off.

Gio's Law

TURNING ADVOCACY INTO ACTIONHard work. Relentless advocacy. A mission rooted in love.On May 5, 2016, Giovanni’s mother traveled to the New York State Capitol to share his story — one of unimaginable loss, unwavering love, and a determination to protect others. Her goal was clear: to help advance legislation that would allow public entities to stock and administer life-saving epinephrine.Just months later, that vision became reality.On September 30, 2016, the Emergency Allergy Treatment Act (EATA) — S6800 / A9357 — was signed into law by Andrew Cuomo. This landmark legislation authorized certain public places to stock epinephrine auto-injectors and respond to anaphylaxis emergencies.GIO’S LAW — A MOTHER’S FIGHT TO EQUIP FIRST RESPONDERSOn June 18, 2018, advocacy evolved into the next critical phase: Gio’s Law was formally introduced.This life-saving legislation authorizes first responders — including police officers and firefighters — to carry and administer epinephrine auto-injectors during anaphylaxis emergencies, ensuring immediate intervention when every second counts.Melissa Miller was the first legislator to work directly with Giovanni’s mother to help draft the bill. Additional leadership from Julia Salazar and Linda Rosenthal helped drive the legislation forward.SIGNED INTO LAW — SAVING LIVESOn December 12, 2019, Governor Andrew Cuomo signed Gio’s Law into law in New York State.Today, this legislation is saving lives.Police officers and firefighters are often the first to arrive on scene during a life-threatening allergic reaction. Equipping them with epinephrine and proper anaphylaxis training ensures they can act immediately — bridging the critical gap before advanced medical care arrives.Because in anaphylaxis, seconds matter — and epinephrine saves lives.Our Ongoing MissionEPI FIRST, EPI EVERYWHERE™ | A Gio’s Law | Love for Giovanni Foundation InitiativeTurning advocacy into action — and action into life-saving change.

GIO’S LAW: A NATIONAL LIFE-SAVING INITIATIVE BORN FROM LOVEIn memory of Giovanni, Gio’s Law was first introduced in Lynbrook, New York — requiring emergency responders to carry and be trained to administer epinephrine, the only first-line treatment for anaphylaxis.What began as a local mission has grown into a national movement.In June 2025, Gio’s Law was officially introduced in the United States Congress as the first-ever federal grant program through the U.S. Department of Justice, designed to expand life-saving access to epinephrine nationwide.This legislation aims to:Equip law enforcement officers across the country with epinephrine auto-injectors
Provide standardized training to recognize and treat anaphylaxis emergencies
Launch a national public awareness campaign on the signs and urgency of life-threatening allergic reactionsThis groundbreaking initiative is the direct result of years of relentless advocacy led by The Love for Giovanni Foundation, powered by the strength of the food allergy community, and driven by a shared belief:No life should ever be lost due to lack of access to epinephrine.A PROMISE IN ACTION💛 “I promised Giovanni his life would make a difference — and through Gio’s Law, we are turning tragedy into life-saving change.”
— Georgina CornagoOur Mission Moving ForwardEPI FIRST, EPI EVERYWHERE™ | A Gio’s Law | Love for Giovanni Foundation InitiativeFrom local impact to national change — ensuring every community is equipped, trained, and ready to save lives.

BIO

Georgina Cornago — Founder, Advocate, Change-MakerGeorgina Cornago is a nationally recognized food allergy advocate and the Founder of the Love for Giovanni Foundation, established in loving memory of her son, Giovanni. After losing Giovanni to a fatal anaphylactic reaction, Georgina transformed profound loss into purpose—dedicating her life to saving lives through education, legislative action, and community empowerment.She is the driving force behind Gio’s Law, groundbreaking legislation first enacted in New York State in 2019, authorizing and encouraging first responders to carry and administer life-saving epinephrine. Her relentless advocacy helped bring the law to life—and in June 2025, Gio’s Law was introduced in Congress as the first-ever federal grant program through the U.S. Department of Justice, designed to:Equip law enforcement nationwide with epinephrine auto-injectors
Provide standardized anaphylaxis recognition and response training
Launch a national public awareness campaign on life-threatening allergic reactionsThis national expansion represents a historic step forward in ensuring first responders across the country are prepared to act when every second counts.Leadership in Education & AdvocacyBeyond legislation, Georgina leads food allergy and anaphylaxis preparedness trainings across schools, police departments, childcare centers, and community organizations nationwide. Her work is grounded in a clear and urgent message:Act fast. Use epinephrine first. Save lives.She is also a leading voice in food labeling reform, advocating for clarity, accuracy, and transparency. As she states:
“Reading a label should be as simple as the ingredient is either present or it isn’t.”
No family should have to interpret vague or misleading labeling when their safety is at stake.National Recognition & Industry LeadershipGeorgina serves on the MenuTrinfo Allergy Advisor Council, where she contributes her lived experience to help guide national food safety standards and allergen protocols.Her advocacy—and Giovanni’s story—have been featured across major national media outlets, including:CBS
ABC
FOX
Good Morning America
TIME MAGAZINE - Germany
FORBESBringing national visibility to the urgent need for food allergy awareness, emergency preparedness, and epinephrine access.Building Community & SupportGeorgina also leads and supports thriving food allergy communities, including:The Love for Giovanni Support Group
FRIENDS HELPING FRIENDS Food Allergy Support Group, supported by FAACT - Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Connection TeamThese communities provide both online and in-person support, offering educational sessions, teen and adult meet-ups, and inclusive, food-safe events. A cornerstone event each year is the Love for Giovanni “Trunk or Treat”, a joyful, safe Halloween celebration created specifically for food allergy families.A Legacy of Love in ActionThough her advocacy was born from unimaginable loss, Georgina leads with fierce compassion, unwavering purpose, and unstoppable love.
Every step she takes honors Giovanni.
Every life saved is part of his legacy.Mission in Motion
EPI FIRST, EPI EVERYWHERE™ | A Gio’s Law | Love for Giovanni Foundation Initiative

MEET OUR TEAM

💜 LEADERSHIP & ADVISORSThe Love for Giovanni Foundation is guided by a dedicated team of professionals, caregivers, and advocates—all united by compassion, purpose, and a commitment to preventing anaphylaxis tragedies.FOUNDER & PRESIDENT
Georgina Cornago
Food allergy advocate, policy leader, and founder of the Love for Giovanni Foundation. After the loss of her beloved son Giovanni, Georgina has devoted her life to ensuring no family has to endure what hers did. She leads the foundation’s education, legislative, and support initiatives with unwavering purpose and love.MEDICAL ADVISORY BOARDMariel Nasis-Matuza, CPNP
Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Integrative & Functional Medicine Specialist
Mariel was the very first person to join the board—and the angel nurse who cared for Giovanni in the PICU. Her strength, compassion, and guidance carried Georgina’s family through their darkest days. With decades of pediatric and critical care experience, Mariel now specializes in integrative medicine, helping medically complex children nationwide by treating root causes and empowering parents. Her presence on the board is a true blessing.Dr. Marc J. Sicklick, MD
Pediatric Allergist & Immunologist
Dr. Sicklick brings over 40 years of clinical experience to the foundation. A graduate of the Albert Einstein College of Medicine, he has long served as a pediatric allergy specialist at Long Island Jewish Medical Center and Cohen’s Children’s Medical Center. He also worked for two decades as a community liaison for Nassau County’s Office of Emergency Management—making him a vital advocate for emergency preparedness and epinephrine access.Dr. Stanley Goldstein, MD, FAAAAI
Director, Allergy & Asthma Care of Long Island
Dr. Goldstein is triple board-certified in Allergy & Immunology, Pediatrics, and Pediatric Pulmonology. He serves as Director of Island Medical Research in Rockville Centre, NY. His deep knowledge of pediatric asthma and allergy care strengthens our mission to expand awareness and elevate care standards for allergic individuals.Susan (Heim) Kelly, BSN, RN, MPH
Certified Nurse EducatorFounding Member & Treasurer, Food Allergy Nursing Association (FANA)
Susan Kelly is a founding member and treasurer of the Food Allergy Nursing Association (FANA), where she plays a leading role in advancing nursing expertise in food allergy care. She is also the nurse manager at Happy and Healthy Pediatrics and a graduate student in public health at Hofstra University.
With more than 18 years of advocacy and 9 years of hospital nursing experience in medicine, cardiology, intensive care, and emergency services, Susan brings both professional expertise and personal passion to her work. As a mother of four—two of whom live with food allergies and Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EOE)—she has made it her mission to raise awareness, provide fact-based education, and expand access to expert nursing care for families managing allergies and related conditions such as asthma and eczema.
Susan has served in key leadership roles, including Vice President of Education for the Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Connection Team (FAACT), and she co-leads the Friends Helping Friends Food Allergy Support Group. She also volunteered with Nassau County’s Medical Reserve Corps, vaccinating the public during the COVID-19 pandemic. Looking ahead, Susan envisions the creation of a Certified Allergy Nurse Educator role to better support patients, families, and communities, improving care and quality of life for those affected by allergic disease.BOARD MEMBERS– Fundraising & Community Engagement
.............Treasurer & Advisor
Donna Hoffman
Donna Hoffman is the CEO of Luxury Eyewear Co. – EYEVAN, where she leads the growth and distribution of high-end, independent eyewear brands from Japan and Italy. With a strong background in business development and team leadership, Donna is responsible for building and managing a network of sales representatives who bring these luxury collections to market.As Treasurer and Advisor, Donna brings valuable financial oversight, strategic insight, and operational expertise to the foundation. Her leadership and business acumen help support the organization’s continued growth and sustainability, ensuring the mission can expand its reach and impact.
Founding Board MemberJoseph DeLuca –
Youth & Legislative Outreach
A founding supporter of Gio’s Law, Joseph played a key role in helping launch the legislation during its earliest stages. As Giovanni’s cousin, his love and devotion to Gio have always been deeply personal and powerfully motivating. While in college, Joseph organized fundraisers through his fraternity and earned a fellowship for his advocacy efforts. His continued presence on the board strengthens our connection to emerging advocates and helps us share Gio’s story with new and future generations.Watch for the Addition of More Incredible Board Members
We’re growing!
More passionate professionals and advocates are joining us to help amplify our mission and expand our reach.

Contact

Feel free to contact us if you have any questions, donations, or would like to work with us!

21 Oak Street
Lynbrook, NY 11563
516-404-1123
[email protected]