Los Angeles, CA (August 4, 2023) – The Celiac Disease Foundation (CDF), a global leader in patient advocacy, is proud to announce a recent grant of $200,000 – an increase of $50,000 from 2022 – from the Foster Family Foundation, which CDF will use to further its commitment to accelerating diagnosis, treatments, and a cure for celiac disease.
By awarding grants to the Celiac Disease Foundation since 2021, the Foster Family Foundation, first established in 1998 in Southern California, continues to play a significant role in CDF’s mission to advance research, advocacy, and education initiatives to improve the quality of life for all people affected by celiac disease.
“We are deeply grateful for the Foster Family Foundation’s ongoing generosity,” said CDF Chief Executive Officer Marilyn G. Geller. “These contributions to our work empower growth and progress on behalf of the patient community we’re honored to represent.”
The notable gift will support CDF in expanding multiple initiatives, including assisting celiac disease clinical trial sites with patient enrollment and retention, supporting cutting-edge research in leading academic medical centers, and expanding research funding advocacy and patient protection efforts on Capitol Hill.
“As the president of the Foster Family Foundation and the mom of two young children with celiac disease, it is a privilege to support the mission of CDF,” said Camille Davenport. “We are proud to champion their efforts of cultivating awareness and initiating change for those struggling with this lifelong diagnosis.”
Celiac disease, one of the world’s most prevalent genetic autoimmune diseases, affects an estimated 3 million Americans, 70-80% of whom are undiagnosed. Living with celiac disease is a daily struggle, and it also increases the mortality risks for cancer, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory disease. Beyond mortality risk, celiac disease is also associated with an increased risk of additional autoimmune disease and cancers such as intestinal malignancy and lymphoma. Currently, there is no medication or cure for celiac disease, nor is there an effective method for prevention. The only course of action to avoid intestinal damage is to follow a strict gluten-free diet. Through numerous strategic investments, CDF seeks to increase the options available to patients.
“CDF has no endowment and receives no direct government support, so each year we raise funding through individual and corporate donations,” said CDF Director of Development Janie Magill. “We’re so thankful to the Foster Family Foundation for their continuing support that allows our organization to thrive.”
To learn more, visit celiac.org.
About the Celiac Disease Foundation
The Celiac Disease Foundation, established in 1990, is a leading global patient advocacy organization committed to accelerating diagnosis, treatments, and a cure for celiac disease. Our mission is to improve the health and well-being of the millions of individuals around the world affected by this genetic autoimmune disease through our strategic investments in research, advocacy, and education. Our iCureCeliac® patient registry and extensive patient recruitment services enable us to identify qualified patient candidates and speed their enrollment to advance critical disease research. Our unparalleled advocacy program has led the way to secure federal recognition and first-ever research funding from agencies including the U.S. National Institutes of Health and the Department of Defense. We adhere to the highest scientific and ethical standards as we work each day to promote understanding of celiac disease, empower our patient and provider community, and collaborate with partners and stakeholders to carry our mission forward.