The Celiac Disease Foundation is delighted to be an Official Charity Partner for the 2024 Los Angeles Marathon. On March 17, our Team Gluten-Free® runners will come together in Los Angeles to conquer 26.2 miles, all with a shared mission – raising crucial funds to advance the diagnosis, treatments, and finding a cure for the 1 in 100 people worldwide affected by celiac disease.
A big shoutout to our six exceptional runners for their dedication to completing this challenge while raising critical funds for celiac disease! We sincerely appreciate their involvement and encourage you to discover more about each team member and what motivates them to support the celiac community.
Michelle Fillingim
Celiac disease touches Michelle’s life in indirect yet impactful ways every single day. Both of her children live with celiac disease, which led to the transformation of their home into a completely gluten-free haven. In the grocery store, Michelle is that meticulous lady, carefully deciphering every label to ensure a gluten-free lifestyle.
To navigate the culinary challenges, she’s mastered the art of crafting delicious baked goods using a diverse array of flours, and sometimes unconventional ingredients like mashed potato flakes. She takes great pride in preparing meals for her teenagers to share with their friends. With a commitment to cooking virtually every meal from scratch, Michelle has come to realize the intricate dance involved in maintaining a gluten-free diet
Morgan Honor 
Morgan received a diagnosis of celiac disease in August 2021, and despite being on a gluten-free diet for a relatively short period, it has unquestionably transformed her life. Living with celiac disease poses its challenges, from the anxiety of dining out and relying on the restaurant’s understanding of cross-contamination to attending events with limited food options. The repercussions of being “glutened” are extensive and varied, contributing to the overall complexity of managing the condition.
Celiac disease has become an integral part of Morgan’s identity, influencing her entire being – from how she feels and moves to how she thinks. It’s a journey that has shaped her perspective on life.
Melanie Merrill
Celiac disease influences every aspect of Melanie’s daily life. The omnipresence of gluten in diverse foods and the constant risk of cross-contamination turns every meal, snack, and dining-out experience into a potential health concern. The simple act of eating often triggers significant anxiety about the possibility of falling ill. Nevertheless, Melanie holds onto hope that this reality may change in the future.
___________________
Morghan Milagrosa
Morghan takes great pride in being a part of Team Gluten-Free® for the Los Angeles Marathon because running is a simple way for her to generate awareness and raise funds for the Celiac Disease Foundation’s initiatives in research, education, and advocacy. She holds onto hope, believing that by joining forces with the Foundation, they can collectively enhance the health and quality of life for individuals grappling with celiac disease.
Hannah Talpash
Hannah was diagnosed with celiac disease during her freshman year at the University of San Diego while participating on the cross country and track team. Her diagnosis is credited to her celiac teammates who helped uncover the cause of her debilitating stomach pains and extreme fatigue. Now, nine years later, she is embarking on her first marathon journey. Her goal is to raise awareness about celiac disease, aiming to prevent others from silently enduring similar struggles and striving to enhance the quality of life for those already diagnosed.
Jordan Weiner
In June of the past year, Jordan received a celiac disease diagnosis that took her by surprise. She felt as though she had lost control over her relationship with food and her own body. To regain a feeling of empowerment and strength, Jordan committed to training for the 2024 LA Marathon and raising funds for the Celiac Disease Foundation.
Interested in giving back? Join Team Gluten-Free®, a community fundraising program that provides a simple way for athletes and non-athletes alike to raise awareness and funds for the Celiac Disease Foundation. The money raised by Team Gluten-Free® members supports the Foundation’s mission to accelerate diagnosis, treatments, and a cure for celiac disease.