With over 200 related symptoms and, often, a long road to diagnosis, we know celiac disease impacts the lives of all those affected differently. Many patients feel alone in their daily struggle to cope with the disease and its influence on nearly every aspect of their lives. The Celiac Disease Foundation provides hope and help to people with celiac disease and their loved ones. We want you to know that you are not alone. Read the inspiring personal stories of some of our incredible community members.
When I was diagnosed in 2009 at the age of 15 with Celiac Disease, I was told to adhere to a strict, gluten-free diet and I would be well on my way to feeling great. It’s been 5 years and I find myself never having found that “I feel great” moment. I am a Celiac still struggling, but have learned along the way that, unfortunately, I am not the only one.
Learn more about Tori KenyonThe experience of health in my family is somewhat of a dichotomous one. I was, ostensibly, born healthy, to relatively healthy parents. My brother, two years my junior, was born with eczema and acne, was colicky, and had allergies and asthma that sent him to the hospital many times in his youth. To everyone’s great delight, he always emerged unscathed and life moved forward.
Learn more about Taylor GrotheMy story begins at a time when information about celiac disease and eating gluten-free wasn’t at your fingertips; a time when you couldn’t ask Siri, “what’s celiac?” or “how to eat gluten-free” and get the answer read to you in your car, while your phone is also providing you with live traffic and weather updates. Whether you found Celiac Disease Foundation due to yourself, a loved one, friend or colleague being diagnosed, I understand what you’ve been going through.
Learn more about Chad HinesIn many ways, Alex is a typical 12 year old girl. A 7th grader from a Chicago Suburb, Alex is an avid long distance runner who takes ballet class, plays defense on her soccer team and goes for long walks with her dog, Hermosa. Last year, she was diagnosed with celiac disease. Alex, whose previous favorite food in the world was French bread, must now avoid even microscopic traces of gluten for the rest of her life or risk serious long term health complications.
Learn more about Alex MorrisAfter a difficult pregnancy, here he was, our four pound six ounce first born. Despite being five weeks early and small, he was…perfect. By his third year, Alex was still small and wasn’t putting on weight, so our pediatrician, Dr. William Giasi, suggested a blood test for celiac disease and an appointment with a gastroenterologist through the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. How could a child who always ate pasta and pizza have celiac disease and us, as parents, be so oblivious to it?
Learn more about Adrienne Bender