Allergy Detection Gadget Patented By Mahwah Teen Wins State Contest

MAHWAH, NJ — As one of 5.6 million U.S. children with food allergies, Gary Leschinsky, of Mahwah, knows firsthand how unpleasant and dangerous allergies can be, his mother Bernice Leschinsky said.

He, thus, has made an effort to help other children with food allergies with his patented invention, the "A-Watch for Allergies," which recently won him the $1,000 cash prize in a state-wide youth entrepreneurship competition.

He pitched the "A-Watch" to a panel of judges for the Mahwah Regional Chamber of Commerce competition, presenting on the idea and various aspects of the business, such as marketing strategies and finances.

The watch-like device, which will be made by his company AllergyGuard, detects the most common symptoms of an allergic reaction. It also notifies an adult and facilitates the use of allergy medication, such as Benadryl, to avoid the "potentially life-threatening consequences" of a food allergic reaction, Bernice Leschinsky said.