Life-Changing Opportunity for Individuals with Celiac Disease and other Gluten-Related Disorders in Pasadena, CA April 30-May 1
LOS ANGELES, CA – April 14, 2016 – Celiac Disease Foundation (CDF), the leading national organization improving the quality of life for all people affected by celiac disease and gluten sensitivity, today announces that over 3,000 people are expected in Pasadena on April 30-May 1, 2016, for CDF’s National Conference & Gluten-Free EXPO.
Patients, family members, caregivers, healthcare professionals, and gluten-free foodies will converge at the Pasadena Convention Center for this educational and gluten-free experience. The April 30 Conference focuses on medical information and updates on celiac disease, one of the world’s most prevalent and under diagnosed genetic autoimmune diseases. This year’s Conference will also feature the launch of iCureCeliac, CDF’s Patient Powered Research Network, as well as the Patient Engagement Celiac Disease Network (PECDN), introduced through our Solving Celiac Disease Together Workshop on April 30. The Conference also serves as an opportunity for healthcare providers to earn continuing education units. This program is made possible by the generous support of the Resnick Family and Cheerios.
The EXPO on April 30th and May 1st celebrates food options now available for people with celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, and others who seek benefits from the gluten-free diet. For many of the Conference attendees, this is the first time they will be surrounded by a community of people living with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.
“Celiac Disease Foundation is committed to increasing education and awareness about the importance of diagnosing and treating celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. CDF Medical Advisory Board members, healthcare providers, researchers, biopharmaceutical and diagnostic companies, and patients will join together to discuss the latest research and advancements in living with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity,” stated Marilyn G. Geller, Celiac Disease Foundation’s Chief Executive Officer. Leading dietitians and nutrition experts in the gluten-free food industry will share their knowledge and experience as well.
“This is the largest gathering of its kind in the United States for patients, family members, and the public to receive credible and current information about celiac disease and gluten sensitivity,” added Marc Riches, Board Chair for Celiac Disease Foundation. “This is a critical and life-changing event for all people coping with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity.” The CDF Gluten-Free EXPO is an outstanding opportunity to sample the latest and best in gluten-free products, and to learn about the wide variety of options available to us today.
The Education Conference
The April 30 National Conference features world renowned experts, including Peter H. R. Green, MD, of the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University, Rory Jones, MS, of Barnard College, Mi-Young Ryee, PhD, of Children’s National Health System, Shayna Coburn, PhD, of The Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Michael Karp, MD, of the University of Southern California, and Daniel Adelman, MD, of the University of California, San Francisco. Dietetic professionals and gluten-free industry representatives, Scott Mandell of Enjoy Life Foods, Elizabeth Roark, MPH, RD, of Pepsico/Frito-Lay, Janelle Smith, RD, of Celiac Disease Foundation, and Emily Luxford, RD, of Celiac Disease Foundation will also share their expertise. Finally, biopharmaceutical and diagnostic companies will also be represented by Michael Cooreman, MD, of ImmusanT, Kristin Yarema, PhD, of Amgen, Stan Naides, MD, of Quest Diagnostics, and Annette Taylor, PhD, of LabCorp.
Other highlights for attendees of the Conference include:
- Gluten-Free breakfast and lunch sponsored by Jones Dairy Farm and Pamela’s Products
- VIP Gluten-Free Swag Bag
- Exclusive, VIP, Private Access, plus a 2-Day pass to the Gluten-Free EXPO
The Gluten-Free EXPO
The April 30 and May 1 Gluten-Free EXPO features more than 100 companies exhibiting the latest and best in gluten-free products and services. Attendees will be able to sample to their heart’s content, try new products not yet found in stores, and leave with a bag full of gluten-free goodies and coupons. Additionally, the first 300 EXPO attendees will receive a free swag bag filled with delicious gluten-free goodies! With lectures, blogger presentations, and products available for purchase at discounted prices, this is an event not to be missed!
For more information about celiac disease, gluten sensitivity, and the Celiac Disease Foundation National Conference & Gluten-Free EXPO, visit celiac.org/cdf-conference.
Thank you to the following sponsors for their continuing support: General Mills, Snyder’s of Hanover, Dole Packaged Foods, Blue Diamond, Panasonic, Cream of Rice, Enjoy Life Foods, Frito-Lay, TH Foods, Simple Kneads, Udi’s, Pamela’s Products, Glutino, Hodgson Mill, Trans-Ocean, Bob’s Red Mill, NOW Foods, Explore Asian, Jones Dairy Farm, Mary’s Gone Crackers, Laughing Giraffe Organics, So Delicious Dairy Free, Schar
About Celiac Disease
Celiac disease is one of the world’s most prevalent and under diagnosed genetic autoimmune diseases, and a cause of great suffering among the three million American children and adults affected. However, when celiac disease is detected early, serious illness – including cancers and coronary heart disease – can be prevented. The ingestion of gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, barley, and triticale, damages the small intestine of people with celiac disease, leaving them unable to absorb nutrients. Celiac disease is also linked to other autoimmune disorders and conditions, including: type 1 diabetes, thyroid disease, osteoporosis, and neurological and vitamin deficiencies, which makes diagnosing and treating celiac disease crucial for the health of those afflicted.
About Celiac Disease Foundation
Celiac Disease Foundation (CDF) was established as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in 1990 to improve the quality of life for all individuals impacted by celiac disease and other gluten-related disorders. Affecting 1% of the world’s population and with a prevalence doubling every 15 years, celiac disease is both a serious genetic autoimmune disorder and a growing public health challenge. Despite a simple blood screening test, only one in six celiac disease sufferers is diagnosed, leaving millions at risk for long-term health complications including Type 1 diabetes, thyroid, liver and heart disease, and intestinal cancers. CDF leads the fight to increase the rate of diagnosis, to improve treatments, and to find a cure.