CHANUTE, Kan. — Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center (NMRMC) and K-State Extension, Southwind District are hosting a free community program on Alpha-Gal Syndrome (AGS) on Thursday, December 11, starting at 5 PM at the NMRMC SEK Impact Center, 1500 West 7th Street, Chanute.
The program, “Managing Alpha-Gal Syndrome: Nutrition Strategies for Better Quality of Life,” will feature keynote speaker Dr. Priscilla Brenes, Nutrition and Wellness Specialist with Kansas State University. Also presenting will be Beckie Manahan, PA-C, NMRMC Physician Assistant. Alpha-Gal-friendly appetizers, prepared by Cosby’s Elevated Eats, will be available for free for attendees.
“If you have Alpha-Gal Syndrome or support someone who does, you know how confusing and overwhelming it can be,” Brenes explains. “We invite community members to join us to discuss nutrition strategies to avoid AGS symptoms and to learn about resources available locally,” Dr. Brenes said.
Alpha-Gal Syndrome is an allergy to red meat and mammalian-derived products that is becoming increasingly common across Kansas, particularly in rural areas. According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, AGS can occur after a tick bite, most often from the Lone Star Tick. While the tick is widespread in southern, eastern, and central states, fewer than 10% of those bitten develop the allergy.
The evening will kick-off with Beckie Manahan, PA-C. With the unique perspective of both patient and provider, Manahan – diagnosed with AGS in 2023-will share her journey with Alpha-Gal and how she has inadvertently become an invaluable professional resource and passionate advocate.
“Alpha-Gal is difficult to diagnose because it can mimic the symptoms of many other conditions. People often seek care for allergies (including hives/itching), heartburn, chest tightness, stomach issues, headaches, and more,” Manahan explains.
“It is important to learn more so that you can work with your medical team to develop an accurate diagnosis. Sadly, because the symptoms are vague and mimic other conditions, AGS is not diagnosed quickly,” she added.
Symptoms may appear after eating red meat or being exposed to mammal-derived products (even wearing leather boots), and can include: hives or itchy rash, nausea or vomiting, severe stomach pain, heartburn or indigestion, diarrhea, cough, shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing, drop in blood pressure, swelling of lips, throat, tongue, or eyelids, and dizziness or faintness.
Dr. Brenes notes that awareness of AGS varies across Kansas. In late 2024, she surveyed K-State Extension Agents statewide to assess familiarity with the syndrome. Agents in western Kansas reported limited awareness, while those in eastern Kansas knew of several affected individuals. “The majority of those who responded indicated that there is not enough information available regarding AGS,“ Brenes said. “They want to know more about this topic so that they can educate people in their communities.”
“We invite you to join us to discuss nutrition strategies to avoid AGS symptoms and to learn about resources available locally,” said Dr. Brenes.
Registration is encouraged to assist with planning and may be completed by contacting Sandy Haggard, Southwind Extension Nutrition, Food Safety, and Health Agent, via email at [email protected] or by phone at 620‑365‑2242.
