In honor of May Celiac Awareness Month, Celiac Disease Foundation (CDF) and the Gluten Intolerance Group (GIG) are proud to announce a partnership that will improve the health and well-being of the celiac disease and gluten-free communities. In order to create the most comprehensive nonprofit source of education, research, advocacy, social networking, and support for the millions of people living with celiac disease and non-celiac gluten/wheat sensitivity, CDF is transitioning the operation of its Support Group program to GIG and GIG is collaborating with CDF to promote the iCureCeliac® patient registry and patient enrollment in research studies and clinical trials.
GIG will provide Support Groups the state-of-the-art logistics, materials, organizational tools, and support that GIG is known for and that everyone in our shared community richly deserves. CDF will expand its efforts to improve the diagnosis rate for celiac disease through digital tools for patients and providers, and to increase patient participation in research to further empower the search for treatments and a cure. Both organizations will continue to offer the programs, services, and tools upon which millions rely.
The Gluten Intolerance Group has been empowering the gluten-free community through consumer support, advocacy, and education since it was founded in 1974. GIG’s Support Group program, Generation GF and GIG Branches, consist of volunteer-driven support groups for children and adults throughout the U.S. and internationally.
Since its founding as a celiac disease advocacy organization in 1990, Celiac Disease Foundation drives diagnosis, treatment ,and a cure through programs for advocacy, education, and research. Hosting the nation’s only celiac disease and non-celiac gluten/wheat sensitivity patient registry, iCureCeliac®, CDF collaborates with patients, researchers, and clinicians to better understand and ultimately cure celiac disease.
The prevalence of celiac disease and non-celiac gluten/wheat sensitivity has grown dramatically over the past few decades. With millions of people affected, but a majority undiagnosed and suffering, there is an urgent need for widespread patient and provider education, and investment in research. For those diagnosed, the guidance and emotional support provided by Support Groups can ease the isolation imposed by the only treatment currently available, the gluten-free diet.
Thanks to this partnership, CDF and GIG can together support our community while also advancing treatments and, eventually, a cure.
If you are interested in joining an existing GIG Support Group or starting a Local Branch or Generation GF for kids and teens in your area, please contact Bethany Trainor, GIG Support Groups Manager at [email protected] or by phone at 253-293-4286.
To add your data to the iCureCeliac® patient registry visit celiac.org/icureceliac. For more information on research activities, please contact Talia Machlouf, CDF Research and Advocacy Director at [email protected] or by phone at 818-716-1513, x110.
Celiac Disease Foundation and the Gluten Intolerance Group are deeply pleased to begin this collaboration to benefit our shared community.