It is said that a man is at his tallest when he stoops to help a child. On behalf of the Celiac Disease Foundation (CDF) and the community we serve, thank you for the generous response to our Gift of Hope campaign. CDF is proud of our commitment to educate and communicate a greater awareness of celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity, and to advocate for early diagnosis. We greatly appreciate that so many of you have been moved to share your story of difficult diagnosis, inspiration and hope.

A very special thank you to Quest Diagnostics (film clip coming soon) and the cast and crew of Hallmark Channel’s Home and Family show Watch Here for their Gift of Hope in promoting celiac disease awareness and the need for early testing, and to Delight Gluten-Free magazine for their generous donation of a complimentary annual subscription for each of our Friend donors.

This month we open registration for two very important programs. The first is the CDF National Education Conference and Gluten-Free EXPO to be held May 4th and 5th at the Pasadena Convention Center in Pasadena, California. On Saturday, May 4th, Joseph Murray, MD, medical director of the Mayo Celiac Disease Clinic and world expert in celiac disease and non-celiac gluten sensitivity, delivers the keynote address discussing the latest developments in research and diagnosis. The “Breaking Therapies in Celiac Disease” panel with medical experts from Alba, Alvine, BioLineRx and ImmusanT will discuss the race to a cure. Tricia Thompson, MS, RD, known as the “Gluten-Free Dietician”, will present “Innovations in the Gluten-Free diet”, moderating a panel of top industry dieticians including General Mills, Frito Lay, Trader Joe’s and Anne Lee from Dr. Schar. Each session will include ample time for audience questions and answers. Attendees on May 4th will be treated to the world debut of three “Oh My!” gluten-free products from one of CDF’s sponsors, as well as gain exclusive access to the Gluten-Free EXPO with more than 75 exhibitors sampling goods and services for the gluten-free lifestyle. Join us in the Gluten-Free Beer Garden, feast to your heart’s content, network with other patients and family members, and go home with a goodie bag stuffed to the brim with samples and coupons of gluten-free goodness. Attendees may also choose to indulge in a GF Pancake and Sausage breakfast, and break GF bread at lunch and dinner with others who can’t wait to swap stories about adventures in dining out.

On Sunday, May 5th, CDF opens the Gluten-Free EXPO to the public (Saturday attendees get in free on Sunday!) with celebrity appearances, live music, cooking demonstrations, and endless sampling. Join CDF as we introduce the larger community to what it really means to be gluten-free!

Click Here to register for the National Education Conference and/or Gluten-Free EXPO.

Our second program is CDF Camp Gluten-Free™, a weeklong strictly gluten-free sleepaway camp for children (campers) and young adults (Mentors) with celiac disease or non-celiac gluten sensitivity. Held July 15th – 19th for campers and July 13th – 19th for Mentors, at Camp Fire Camp Nawakwa in the gorgeous San Bernardino Mountains, activities include swimming, hiking, cooking outdoors, canoeing, arts and crafts, singing, drama, games, nature walks, archery, rock wall climbing, making new friends and thriving in a supportive, gluten-free environment.

CDF Camp Gluten-Free™ is able to offer reduced camp fees and provide camperships for children in need through the generous tax-deductible, support of individuals, foundations and corporations. Should you feel like being your tallest today, click here to register your child or grandchild or click here to donate.

To Our Health,

Marilyn Geller
[email protected]