Nothing is too little or too big —whatever you do will spread awareness and make a difference.
National Celiac Disease Awareness Day is only one day a year, but advocacy happens every single day, thanks to our group of dedicated advocates working together to increase awareness for celiac disease. On September 13th, teen advocate Kyli performed an impactful and deeply personal ice-skating routine to “Fight Song” by artist Rachel Platten. Kyli was diagnosed with celiac disease three years ago and chose to use her ice-skating competition as an important opportunity to share her celiac disease journey with others and raise awareness about the strength needed to navigate this serious autoimmune disease.
Kyli has also channeled her passion for advocacy into Charmed for Celiac, her Team Gluten-Free fundraising page. What started with selling handmade friendship bracelets has become another way for Kyli to raise awareness and support the celiac disease community. As her advocacy efforts continue to grow, we’re excited to see Charmed for Celiac grow alongside them!
Continue reading below to see our brief interview with Kyli about her experience skating and advocating for celiac disease.
What is your connection to celiac disease?
I got diagnosed with celiac disease around three years ago and I have been advocating for celiac disease awareness since then.
This September you performed an ice-skating routine to “Fight Song” in recognition of National Celiac Disease Awareness Day. Tell us about how you decided on this performance, the significance of your song choice, and what this routine meant to you.
I decided on this performance since I wanted to show my fight with celiac disease and spread awareness. This routine means so much to me since I can share my journey and express myself by skating to the song.
Tell us a little bit about your experience as an athlete. How does celiac disease affect your ability to train, compete, and perform on the ice? Do you have advice for other young athletes or sport-lovers with celiac disease?
Celiac disease can be challenging, but you should keep pushing and it will pay off.
What advice would you give to others looking for ways to share their stories and advocate in their own communities?
There are so many ways to get involved. You can start a business and donate profits or just tell your friends and others to educate them about celiac disease. Nothing is too little or too big since whatever you do will spread awareness and make a difference.
Have an advocacy story to share, or want to learn how YOU can make an impact? Contact madison.beebe@celiac.org