John Ilhan founded the Ilhan Food Allergy Foundation in May 2006. John passed away suddenly in October 2007. His legacy lives on in part through the work of the Foundation. You can read more about John Ilhan in his profile.
Patricia Ilhan co-founded the Ilhan Food Allergy Foundation with her husband John, and remains strongly committed to its work. One of her daughters has been diagnosed with anaphylaxis to tree-nuts, which poses a constant threat if she is given the wrong food. It is Patricia's personal experience of these issues that drives her to improve conditions for all children who suffer from food allergies. Most recently, she has been involved in the development of the Healthy Eating program in partnership with Firbank Grammar School and the creation of the Fast Ideas cookbook.
Dr David Hill has been involved in the management and treatment of allergies and anaphylaxis for the past 30 years and was invited to join the Foundation's Board in late 2005. Until 2006, he was the Director of the Allergy Department at the Royal Children's Hospital in Melbourne, where he continues to direct research for the Murdoch Children's Research Institute. Dr Hill is continuing in his private practice to care for children with food allergies and anaphylaxis.
Professor Bob Williamson was invited to join the Foundation's Board in early 2006. Professor Williamson has had a long and distinguished career in medical research and was the Director of the Murdoch Children's Research Institute in Melbourne for 10 years until his recent retirement. He is an eminent human geneticist. As one of the Foundation's Directors, he brings a broad understanding of patient needs and required research in anaphylaxis.
Brendan Fleiter is the Managing Director of Crazy John's. He has a legal background and has been John's close and trusted friend for many years. As a father of five, Brendan is very conscious of the needs of children in our community. When John asked him to be a part of his vision, Brendan immediately agreed and has committed a lot of his time and energy to getting the Foundation up and running successfully. As one of the Foundation's Directors, he brings many skills and tremendous vision to his position on the Board.
Michael Muir has been John's family solicitor for more than 8 years, over which period they have forged a strong friendship. Michael is a partner in his own firm in Surrey Hills and considers pro bono work to be part of his community responsibility. When John invited Michael to join the Board, he was very happy to be a part of the Foundation. Being a father of three teenagers deepens Michael's understanding of the importance of our children to Australia's future. Michael's community experience is a wonderful asset to the Board.
Erica Lane joined the Board of the Ilhan Food Allergy Foundation in October 2007 after a personal campaign to raise awareness of the impact of anaphylaxis. Erica established AnaphylaxiSTOP in 2006 and has contributed to important research into food allergies with the Murdoch Childrens Research Institute. Erica’s campaign to make a difference in preventing the impact of food allergies came about after her daughter Belle was diagnosed as anaphylactic to eggs, nuts and sesame seeds. The Ilhan Food Allergy Foundation has now formed a partnership with AnaphylaxiSTOP.
Moustafa Fahour has recently accepted the role of General Manager of National Australia Bank’s Family Office, a new branch of NAB’s Private and Institutional Wealth business. Moustafa will be responsible for leveraging the different businesses that fall within PIW to create a Ultra High Net Worth offering for families and individuals, as well as focusing on business development. Before this Moustafa held similar roles as Co-Head of the Key Client Group at Macquarie Group Limited and Associate Director at UBS Wealth Management and worked at Citigroup Wealth as an Investment Adviser. Moustafa holds a Bachelor of Business with 4 majors and invitation to Honors at La Trobe University.
Tim O’Leary is General Manager, Communications & Marketing Services at National Australia Bank. In this role he is responsible for communications, corporate social responsibility, sponsorships, research and a range of other marketing services. Tim translates this expertise to valuable advice for the Ilhan Food Allergy Foundation.
Steve Dabkowski is the CEO of the Foundation and brings long experience in the media and public relations industries to the Foundation. He has worked as a business reporter and now runs his own consultancy company. Steve was invited to be part of our work in early 2006. He is the father of three which informs his strong commitment to the health and welfare of children. Steve is involved in a number of community organisations that support disadvantaged children. Steve can be reached on email at stephen.dabkowski@ilhanholdings.com.au.
Anna Kilgour is the Program Director at The Ilhan Food Allergy Foundation. Anna supports the Board in implementing its activities and initiatives, and can be contacted on email at akilgour@ilhanholdings.com.au.