October 2026 Newsletter: Fall Into Action

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An adult and a child in a skeleton costume sit on the floor, looking into an orange pumpkin bucket. Halloween decorations and pumpkins are visible in the background.

October is here, bringing cooler days, changing leaves and plenty of activities! This month, we’re falling into action with our celiac community, from coming together at Más allá de la celiaquía and the First Annual Gluten-Free Kitchen Pickleball Tournament to staying informed about the latest developments in celiac disease research.

As we head into the season, explore our gluten-free candy guide for tips to help make Halloween a little easier, and catch up on recent celiac research and clinical trial news.

Thank you for being part of our community and for staying connected, getting involved and helping make a difference for people with celiac disease.

News & Updates

Eventos

Más allá de la celiaquía

We have our sights set on a cure for celiac disease, and every step you take helps get us closer to our goal! Proceeds raised from our Step Beyond Celiac Events support our initiatives to provide care for patients in the present and a cure in the future.

  • Greater Philadelphia: Join us on Sunday, October 4, from 9 AM to noon, at Norristown Farm Park
  • Virtual: Complete a 5K anywhere in the world, anytime this fall
  • Greater Boston: Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Greater Boston event on National Celiac Awareness Day on September 13 at Middlesex Community College! More than 100 members of the celiac community came together despite the rain. Read more about the event in The Bedford Citizen.
The image shows the words STEP BEYOND CELIAC Together for a Cure in green and orange text with a circular logo between STEP and BEYOND..
Cartoon pickle and spatula holding GFK and Gluten Free signs, promoting the first annual Gluten-Free Kitchen pickleball tournament benefiting Beyond Celiac. Text is set on a white and green background.

Get ready to rally! Join us Saturday, October 10, at California SMASH in El Segundo for the First Annual Gluten-Free Kitchen Pickleball Tournament, benefiting Beyond Celiac. 

Whether you’re ready to hit the court or just want to enjoy the fun, there’s something for you, including gluten-free treats, a vendor fair, a silent auction, and more!

Resource: Gluten-Free Halloween Candy Guide

A cartoon ghost holds a bubbling cauldron, with two pieces of candy corn nearby. Text reads GLUTEN IS SPOOKY!! at the top and So which candies are gluten-free? at the bottom. A small spider hangs in the corner.

Getting ready for Halloween? Before filling your child’s trick-or-treat bag, check out our gluten-free candy guide for a list of candies that are gluten-free and tips for selecting treats safely. Always check the package before enjoying candy, as ingredients and manufacturing practices can change. From trick-or-treating to Halloween parties, our guide can help make navigating candy a little easier this spooky season!

Resource: Misconceptions About Celiac Disease

There are many misconceptions about celiac disease, from what causes it to how it affects the body and what it means to live gluten-free. Click below to watch our Misconceptions About Celiac Disease video to learn more about some common myths and the facts behind them – and share it with a friend who could use the information, too!

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Jones Dairy logo

Caregiver’s Corner

With fall and Halloween parties coming up, it can be helpful to have options that don’t just revolve around food. Check out our Non-Food Rewards and Events for Schools Handout for ideas to help make school celebrations more inclusive for children with celiac disease.

Caregiver’s Corner is proudly sponsored by Jones Dairy Farm, maker of certified GF, all natural sausage, bacon, ham, Canadian bacon and meatballs.

An ad for Jones Dairy that reads, "We make products everyone in the family can enjoy. Making breakfast better since 1889."

Noticias sobre investigación

Beyond Celiac Encouraged by Teva Trial News

Two people in medical attire are reviewing and pointing at a document. The bottom of the image features the Beyond Celiac logo and the word News in green text, with a green and white border.

Beyond Celiac is encouraged by Teva’s positive early stage clinical (Phase 2a) data for its IL-15 blocking therapeutic, which demonstrated a reduction in intestinal damage compared to placebo following a 6-week gluten challenge. The clinical trial was designed to study patients with celiac disease on a gluten-free diet and could represents a meaningful step forward for individuals who continue to experience ongoing symptoms and damage despite strict dietary adherence. Read more here.

Beyond Celiac Coalition and FDA Discuss Pediatric Clinical Trial Barriers for Celiac Disease

A diverse group of people in business attire stand in a conference room, smiling at the camera. The Beyond Celiac NEWS logo with green and orange text is overlaid at the bottom of the image.

The Beyond Celiac Coalition recently convened with the FDA, pediatric patients with celiac disease and their parents to discuss barriers and considerations for developing pediatric clinical trials. The meeting began a conversation about what pediatric trials might look like and what pediatric patients and their parents might consider acceptable in a trial. Read more here.


Research Opportunities

DAISY Study

*Intended for a US audience*
Tired of dealing with celiac? We are seeking volunteers living with celiac disease to join the DAISY clinical research study to help us further develop our knowledge of celiac disease and discover a potential new medication option. 

By joining the DAISY Study, you may receive:

  • study-required investigational medication at no cost
  • study-related care at no cost
  • reimbursement for study-related travel expenses. 

Health insurance is not required to take part. Are you eligible? Learn More

GLUTECH

Have you been recently diagnosed with celiac disease? You could help researchers learn if gluten detection technology improves intestinal healing and quality of life.

Eligibility: 18–75 years old, biopsy-diagnosed celiac disease, less than 4 months on a gluten-free diet, and willing to come to one of four sites: Boston, Chicago, Nashville, or New York City. Additional criteria apply.

Participants will receive an iPad at the beginning of the trial and can also earn up to an additional $565 for participation.


Recetas sin gluten

A bowl of tomato soup topped with shredded cheese, toasted bread pieces, and a fresh basil sprig, served in a light-colored bowl on a wooden surface.

Sicilian Sausage Soup

Warm up with a hearty bowl of Sicilian sausage soup! Packed with savory sausage, vegetables and Italian spices, this comforting soup makes a cozy meal for a chilly October day.


Two white trays hold several sandwich cookies with golden-brown cakes and a thick layer of white cream filling. The trays are placed on a light-colored surface, and the cookies are arranged neatly in rows.

Pumpkin Whoopie Pies

Bring on the flavors of fall with these soft and spiced pumpkin whoopie pies! Filled with a sweet, creamy center, they’re a delicious gluten-free treat to enjoy all season long.


Trivia Questions of the Month

Question

Is caramel gluten-free?

Answer

Yes, caramel is typically gluten-free. Caramel is usually made with sugar, water, vanilla, milk and salt, which do not contain gluten. However, when buying caramel products or foods containing caramel, always check the label for gluten-containing ingredients. Learn more about caramel and the gluten-free diet.


Milton’s gluten-free products are shown, including crispy sea salt crackers, cauliflower pepperoni pizza, and four cheese pizza. Banner text reads: “All of the goodness. None of the gluten.” with a “Shop Now” button.

Voices of Celiac: Aiden’s Story

“I didn’t suspect celiac disease at all. I only knew that something was seriously wrong. I began struggling to keep food and nutrients down and experienced significant, unexplained weight loss. After a couple of ER visits for dehydration and several months of feeling unwell, it became clear that I needed answers.”

“Living with celiac disease has required consistent discipline. I cook most of my meals, double-check ingredients, and take extra steps to avoid cross-contamination at home. It’s not always easy, but being careful has become part of my routine and helps me manage my health confidently.”

A person stands outside on grass, wearing a green Green Bay Packers football jersey with the number 1. Trees and sunlight are visible in the background.

Read Aiden’s Story
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