AUBURN HILLS, Mich. - The Detroit Pistons and American Red Cross - Southeastern Michigan Chapter will honor Sara Van Luvender with The Detroit Pistons and American Red Cross Michigan Heroes Award on Saturday, April 21 at halftime of the Pistons 7 p.m. playoff game against the Orlando Magic. Reginald Johnson, disaster action team leader with the American Red Cross - Southeastern Michigan Chapter and guard Elaine Powell of the WNBA Champion Detroit Shock will honor Sara with a Michigan Heroes medal at center court for her courageous efforts in creating awareness of the life-threatening effects caused by food allergies and fighting for a normal life despite adversity.

At six-months-old, Van Luvender was diagnosed with having life-threatening food allergies ranging from peanuts to shellfish. Contact of any kind with the aforementioned foods, including eating, touching or smelling, could put her into anaphylaxis and would require a shot and immediate hospitalization. As Van Luvender began her education, the school she attended was unequipped to handle the safety precautions she needed to avoid contamination. Currently at age 12, Van Luvender’s allergies have grown to include more foods increasing the obstacles she faces daily. With strength and determination, she has persevered to be treated the same as her peers.

“Sara is a smart and brave young woman, but most of all she is compassionate,” said her father Scott Van Luvender. “She knows to not to let fear control her life. She wants other kids going through the same situation to know that they can overcome their fears and enjoy life.”

Van Luvender does not let fear stop her from participating in the everyday events that most junior high students enjoy. Where others with the same afflictions tend to stay close to home, she continues to be an A-student, and enjoys traveling. She also finds time to help with others with life-threatening food allergies. She has collaborated with schools to create programs that protect students with food allergies, and has worked with families dealing with the daily obstacles the condition brings. Van Luvender has started writing a book that shares her personal experiences, emotions and fears she has endured, to let others understand that they are not alone in their daily struggles.

“I want to help other kids feel safer living with their food allergies, so that they don’t feel alone and that they are not different from everyone else,” Van Luvender shared.

In its third year, the Detroit Pistons and American Red Cross Michigan Heroes Program encourages fans to nominate a person or group from their local community who has gone above and beyond the call of duty and recognize their accomplishments at a Pistons home game during the 2006-2007 season.

To nominate a hero, who can come from any walk of life, fans only need to complete an on-line nomination form at www.pistons.com, or send name(s), address, phone number and name of school or organization to:

“Detroit Pistons and American Red Cross Michigan Heroes”
The Palace of Auburn Hills -- Five Championship Drive -- Auburn Hills, MI 48326

All nominators will be entered for the chance to win an autographed 8x10 Pistons starter photo

Only one entry per person per email address per household will be accepted. Please see www.pistons.com for a complete list of rules/regulations and additional information. For more information on the Pistons Honor Michigan Heroes program or to purchase tickets for any upcoming home game, please contact The Palace at (248) 377-0100 or visit www.pistons.com.