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Sixers recognized for celiac awareness efforts

April 9, 2009

Sixers recognized for celiac awareness efforts

event to put celiac disease in the spotlight.

On Friday, April 10th the Sixers will partner with National Foundation for Celiac Awareness and other local celiac organizations to help raise awareness and funding for celiac disease research as they take on Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

In anticipation of this special event, Philadelphia NBC News 10 looks at the Sixers special connection to this cause and dedicated support of the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness.

Comcast-Spectacor Chairman and NFCA Board member Ed Snider, discusses his dedication to NFCA’s mission, and how the 76’ers event will allow NFCA to spread awareness of celiac disease to an enthusiastic and captive audience of 20, 000 fans,

“It is the goal of the NFCA to help educate as many doctors, chefs and members of the media so that the millions of people with celiac disease who are suffering needlessly can be diagnosed and reclaim their lives,” said Snider. “Through the Sixers game, we have a tremendous opportunity to promote awareness through in-game exposure, as well as on our broadcasts. For those of us who suffer from Celiac, this is an important mission of ours – to help inform everyone about the dangers of Celiac Disease.”

In a special feature, NFCA committee member Ashley Prothe and her fiancée Jason Smith, 76’ers forward, demonstrate how those with celiac disease manage their gluten-free diet by giving local news crews a tour of their routine grocery store experience!

Ashley also discusses her battle with celiac disease, living with chronic symptoms and frequent hospitalizations prior to receiving a diagnosis.

“I would get sick about every three months and get put back into the emergency room because my pain was so bad I would curl back into the fetal position,” Ashley says.


To read the entire article and see photos of NBC 10’s gluten-free grocery store adventure with Ashley and Jason, visit NBC 10 Philadelphia’s website.

Since learning of her condition and moving with Jason to Philadelphia, Ashley has been a dedicated and valued NFCA volunteer, and an invaluable help in the planning and coordination of the April 10th 76’ers awareness event, as well as NFCA’s signature ‘Appetite for Awareness’ celebration scheduled for September 30th at the Wachovia Center. in September.

You can see photos of Ashley and Jason at the 2008 Appetite for Awareness event in NFCA’s event photo gallery. To learn more about Appetite for Awareness and receive updates on all upcoming NFCA events, be sure to visit the beyondceliac.org events section.

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