Imagine being in a constant state of red alert, carefully checking what you eat and what others around you are eating because failing to do so could mean death. That's the world Arabelle Schoenberg, 12, and her family live in every day because of her severe food allergies.

Arabelle, who attends Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School in Berkeley, "found out about her food allergies in an ambulance at age 14 months," noted her mother, Lynn Signorelli.

There have been other trips to the hospital for Arabelle, but they have decreased because of the careful examination and preparation steps she and her family takes.

This week Arabelle and 79 children from around the United States who have severe food allergies will be in Washington, D.C., to deliver a plea to Congress for food allergy legislation for schools and funding for food allergy research.

She is making the trip as a youth ambassador for the Food Allergy and Anaphylaxis Network, a national advocacy and informational organization.

FAAN estimates that there are 12 million Americans living with food allergies that can range from mild to severe, including those with life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Arabelle has anaphylaxis to peanuts and nuts and an allergy to wheat and rye. "I research every food label," her mother said."

"It seems really strange when you think about it. You think, 'If I ate that little peanut M&M it could be life-threatening,'

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and it's a weird reality," Arabelle said. "I am so thankful I have my EpiPens and supportive friends, coaches and teachers."

Arabelle has dedicated herself to being an activist for those with food allergies. Since she was 8 she has asked that any birthday presents be in the form of donations to the organization, and she has raised $2,000 each of the last two years at the San Francisco FAAN Walk for Food Allergies.

For details, visit www.foodallergy.org, www.faankids.org or www.faanteen.org.

NOTE TO READERS: Sunday's column included an incorrect day for the opening reception for the new exhibit "Remembering Our Local Japanese Heritage," commemorating the Japanese families who settled in West County and established a successful flower growing community in El Cerrito and Richmond. The reception is at 5 p.m. Friday, not Saturday, at the Open House Senior Center, 6500 Stockton Ave., behind the El Cerrito Library. Details: 510- 559-7677.

Reach Chris Treadway at 510-262-2784.