welcome to The Love for Giovanni Foundation

Food Allergy Awareness, Education, Safety
Epinephrine Saves Lives. Awareness Protects Them

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:

  • Advance Policy and Legislative Solutions

  • Support and expand programs like Gio’s Law, which encourage and empower police departments and first responders to carry and administer epinephrine.

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

  • Advocate for initiatives that help reduce the cost of epinephrine and make it accessible to individuals and families in need.

  • Educate & Train First Responders and the Public

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

  • Offer resources and hands-on training to increase preparedness and confidence in responding to allergic emergencies.

  • Expand Public Epinephrine Access

  • Work toward placing emergency epinephrine in public settings such as parks, libraries, transit stations, and entertainment venues.

  • Partner with municipalities and businesses to develop sustainable access models, including donation and subsidy programs.

  • Empower Food Allergy Families & Advocates

  • Support families with tools to navigate 504 plans, emergency protocols, and advocacy efforts.

  • Provide a platform for storytelling and peer-to-peer education to build a stronger, informed community.

  • Raise Awareness through Giovanni’s Legacy

  • Share Giovanni’s story to humanize the impact of food allergies and inspire action.

  • Lead campaigns to break down stigma, increase understanding, and promote life-saving readiness.

  • Collaborate for Impact

  • Build partnerships with lawmakers, healthcare providers, school systems, and nonprofits to align efforts.

  • Engage with sponsors, media, and influencers to extend the reach and visibility of the foundation’s mission.

  • Create global awareness of life threatening food allergies in hopes of preventing another death due to anaphylaxis.

THE HARD TRUTH:

  • 1 in 13 children in the U.S. has a food allergy — that’s roughly 2 students per classroom.

  • (Source: Food Allergy Research & Education - FARE)

  • Over 33 million Americans live with life-threatening food allergies.

  • (Source: FARE)

  • Every 3 minutes, a food allergy reaction sends someone to the emergency room in the U.S.

  • (Source: FARE)

  • 20–25% of epinephrine administrations in schools involve students who had no known food allergy.

  • (Source: CDC)

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

  • (Source: American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology - ACAAI)

  • Cost is a barrier: many families report difficulty affording epinephrine, with auto-injectors priced over $600 in some cases.(Source: Various reports, including GAO and news outlets)

  • First responders and police officers are often first on the scene, but many departments are not yet equipped with epinephrine or trained to use it.

  • There is no cure for food allergies. Only strict avoidance can prevent an allergic reaction and epinephrine is the only life saving medication available to treat a reaction.

EDUCATION: KNOWLEDGE SAVES LIVES

image @Allergy Canada

Through our educational programs, we aim to empower parents, schools, community centers, and the public with critical knowledge and resources on how to manage food allergies effectively and respond to emergencies with confidence.Our focus includes:Recognizing the signs of an allergic reactionUnderstanding how and when to treat a reactionLearning the proper use of life-saving epinephrineCreating allergy-aware environments at home, in school, and in public spacesBy increasing awareness and preparedness, we strive to prevent tragedies and ensure that no one is caught off guard when every second counts.

Support Group

We are a FAACT recognized support group (FoodAllergyAwareness.org)
Through The Love for Giovanni Foundation we have started the FRIENDS HELPING FRIENDS food allergy support group. Our mission is to help promote awareness and education and to support all those in the food allergy community through group meetings, play dates, kid friendly events , etc.

Follow us on Facebook by clicking the button below to stay up to date.

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 and perseverance pay off.
On May 5, 2016, Giovanni’s mom made her way to the New York State Capitol to share his story — a story of love, loss, and a mother’s determination to protect others. Her hope was to help push forward legislation that would allow public entities to stock epinephrine auto-injectors.Just a few months later, on September 30, 2016, that hope became a reality. The Emergency Allergy Treatment Act (EATA) — S6800 (Hannon) / A9357 (Abinanti) — was signed into law by Governor Andrew Cuomo. This legislation authorized certain public places to stock and administer life-saving epinephrine in emergencies.GIO'S LAW: A MOTHER'S FIGHT TO EQUIP FIRST RESPONDERSOn June 18, 2018, a new chapter began: Gio’s Law was officially introduced as a bill. This legislation authorizes emergency responders — including police officers and firefighters — to carry and administer epinephrine using an auto-injector device (AEI) during life-threatening allergic reactions.Assemblywoman Melissa Miller (Long Island) was the first legislator to work directly with Giovanni’s mom to help write the bill. Later, Senator Julia Salazar and Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal (Manhattan) joined as key sponsors, helping to push the bill forward.ON DECEMBER 12, 2019, NEW YORK STATE GOVERNOR ANDREW COUMO SIGNED GIO'S LAWThis legislation is already saving lives. Police officers and firefighters are often the first to arrive when someone calls 911 for a severe allergic reaction. It only makes sense to equip our first responders with the tools — and the training — to act quickly. When seconds matter, epinephrine saves lives.

GIO'S LAW: A NATIONAL LIFE-SAVING INITIATIVE BORN FROM LOVEIn memory of Giovanni, Gio’s Law was first introduced in Lynbrook, NY, requiring emergency responders to carry and be trained to administer epinephrine — the only first-line treatment for anaphylaxis.Now, Gio’s legacy reaches the national stage.In June 2025, Gio’s Law was officially introduced in Congress as the first-ever federal grant program under the U.S. Department of Justice, aimed at:Equipping law enforcement officers across the country with epinephrine auto-injectorsProviding standardized training to recognize and treat anaphylaxisLaunching a nationwide public awareness campaign about the signs of life-threatening allergic reactionsThis groundbreaking legislation is the direct result of advocacy driven by the Love for Giovanni Foundation, the strength of our food allergy community, and those who believe that no one should lose their life due to lack of access to emergency treatment.💛 “I promised Giovanni his life would make a difference, and with Gio’s Law, we are turning tragedy into lifesaving change.”
— Georgina Cornago, Founder, The Love for Giovanni Foundation

BIO

Georgina Cornago – Founder, Advocate, Change-Maker
Georgina 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 her grief into purpose—dedicating her life to saving others through education, legislative change, and grassroots community support.She is the driving force behind Gio’s Law, groundbreaking legislation first passed in New York State that authorizes and encourages first responders to carry and administer life-saving epinephrine. Her relentless advocacy helped bring the state law to life in 2019—and in June 2025, Gio’s Law was officially introduced in Congress as the first-ever federal grant program under the U.S. Department of Justice, aimed at:Equipping law enforcement officers across the country with epinephrine auto-injectorsProviding standardized training to recognize and treat anaphylaxisLaunching a national awareness campaign on the signs of life-threatening allergic reactionsThis national version of Gio’s Law represents a historic step forward in ensuring first responders everywhere are trained and ready to save lives when every second counts.In addition to her legislative work, Georgina has led food allergy and anaphylaxis preparedness trainings in schools, police departments, childcare settings, and community centers across the country. Her mission is grounded in a clear message: Epi First. Epi Fast. Better safe than sorry.She is also a passionate advocate for food labeling reform, demanding clarity, accuracy, and transparency. “Reading a label should be as simple as the ingredient is either present or it isn’t,” she says—families should never have to decode vague or misleading labels.Georgina is a proud member of the MenuTrinfo Allergy Advisor Council, where she contributes her lived experience to help guide national food safety standards.Her advocacy and Giovanni’s story have been featured on CBS, ABC, FOX, Good Morning America, News12, and other major outlets—bringing national visibility to the urgent need for food allergy reform, emergency preparedness, and education.She also serves as administrator of two online support communities:The Love for Giovanni Support GroupFriends Helping Friends Food Allergy Support Group, supported by FAACT (Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Connection Team)These groups provide both online and in-person support through educational sessions, adult and teen meet-ups, and inclusive, food-free events. A highlight of the year is the Love for Giovanni Halloween Trunk or Treat, a joyful and safe celebration for food allergy families.Though her advocacy was born from unimaginable loss, Georgina leads with fierce compassion, unwavering purpose, and unstoppable love. Every step she takes leaves a footprint in Giovanni’s honor—and every life saved is part of his legacy.

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 & PresidentGeorgina 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.Board Member – Fundraising & Community EngagementJessica Corcoran
Food Allergy Parent, Early Childhood Educator
Jessica is a mother of three and a fellow allergy mom who brings heart, creativity, and dedication to our fundraising and outreach efforts. As a Pre-K teacher, she has a passion for protecting young children and supporting families. Her presence on the board is a steady source of encouragement, ideas, and hands-on help.Watch for the Addition of More Incredible Board Members Soon.
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]