130 years ago a doctor named Samuel Gee first linked gluten to celiac disease, and today, on his birthday, we celebrate National Celiac Awareness Day.
Celiac disease is one of the world’s most prevalent genetic autoimmune diseases, affecting an estimated 3 million Americans, 70-80% of whom are undiagnosed. Causing the body to attack its own small intestine, it can lead to many other devastating health conditions, including cancer. Through strategic investments in research, education, and advocacy, the Celiac Disease Foundation seeks to remedy this by accelerating treatments and a cure.
We advocate
We advocate for increased federal funding for celiac disease research to make sure celiac disease is a national priority.
During this year’s Proclamation Campaign, for the first time ever, advocates from all 50 states submitted proclamation requests to their Governors, asking them to recognize May as Celiac Disease Awareness Month. A record-breaking 27 states (and Washington D.C.) honored the request to recognize the seriousness of this chronic autoimmune disease, increasing visibility and awareness about the importance of early diagnosis, the need for more research, and showing support for those affected.
We drive research
We drive research to bring us closer to better treatments, and one day, a cure.
We launched the first-ever Celiac Disease Clinical Trial Site Advisory Council, uniting global academic researchers, community principal investigators, and experienced clinical coordinators. The council provides sponsors and CROs with practical, data-driven feedback on protocol design, recruitment strategies, and site operations, to help trials run efficiently while focusing on real-world patient needs.
Over 16,000 individuals and families are currently participating in our iCureCeliac® Patient Registry, contributing health data, knowledge, and ideas to enable and accelerate research.
We educate
We education healthcare providers to improve diagnosis and give patients the support they need.
We established the Celiac Disease Foundation Dietitian Advisory Council (CDF-DAC), comprised of eight expert dietitians from across the United States specializing in celiac disease. This group is led by Celiac Disease Foundation staff dietitian Meghan Donnelly McKeon, MS, RD, to guide the creation of evidence-based resources, advance nutrition research, and support public policy initiatives at the Foundation.
We presented research at multiple major medical conferences including: Digestive Disease Week (DDW), Food & Nutrition Conference & Expo (FNCE), North American Society For Pediatric Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition (NASPGHAN), Columbia Celiac Disease Symposium, Colorado Screening Symposium, and the Association of European Coeliac Societies (AOECS).
We support
We support the celiac disease community with educational programs and resources that make living gluten-free easier for everyone.
We brought together leading healthcare providers, lawyers, administrators, dining staff, and students at our College Guidelines Summit to develop the first national recommendations for supporting college students with celiac disease. These guidelines are set to be published later this year.
Thousands of healthcare providers, celiac disease patients, and families attend our virtual support programs each month, including Culinary Medicine, Living with Celiac, School Support Sessions, and Celiac Teen Talk.
Through our partnership with Celiac Cruise we’ve provided educational programs for over 2,000 guests across multiple sailings, fostering community and raising vital funds to support our mission.
Today we honor Samuel Gee’s legacy by highlighting our dedication to our own legacy of raising awareness, breaking down barriers, and empowering people to live fulfilling lives with celiac disease.