Hi! My name is Emma, and I am from Fremont, California. I am currently 15 years old and a freshman in high school. I was diagnosed with celiac disease when I was 11 years old. My celiac diagnosis took 2 years because of my unusual symptoms. After years of suffering with neurological symptoms and traumatizing tests, a neurologist finally considered the possibility of celiac disease due to my malnourished state. After a blood test and endoscopy, I was officially diagnosed with celiac disease.
Being the only one in my family with celiac disease, and not even knowing this existed, I had a lot of learning to do. After months of trial and error, I learned how to keep myself safe with the help of my family. I am still constantly learning new things as well! Having celiac disease has taught me that there is always more to learn, as well as other skills like researching and advocating for myself. I am so glad that I have found a celiac community and would love to meet more people with celiac disease!