September is one of my favorite times of the year as we all gear up to dive into our routines after the leisurely pace of summer. I remember the back-to-school years with our girls, finding the year’s rhythm and unique juggle of homework, extracurricular activities, and social lives. All of the new events and people can be exciting, but they also bring new challenges for kids and parents affected by celiac disease.
It might even feel isolating. But I assure you, you are not alone.
Millions of people worldwide face similar challenges, and many of them have valuable advice to share. Here are a few of my favorites from our award-winning Voices of Celiac collection:
If you’re interested in meeting people who understand life with celiac disease, join us in Philadelphia, Boston, or Dallas in the coming weeks for the Step Beyond Celiac 5K. It’s a fantastic opportunity to meet other individuals who eat gluten-free. Or, consider creating your own if one of these in-person events won’t fit your schedule or travel plans! Sign up for the virtual 5K and take a stroll around your town—perhaps someone will notice your shirt and want to learn more. You can also organize a walk in your city and invite friends, family, neighbors, and community members to join; not only will you be raising awareness for celiac disease, but you’ll also be raising funds for treatments and a cure beyond the diet! Sign up and create your own fundraising team page today!
Speaking of raising funds for treatments, I’m thrilled to report continuous progress on our venture philanthropy initiative, Beyond Celiac Investments (BCI). We have welcomed four new individuals to assist with this groundbreaking initiative, which will propel the development of celiac disease treatments like never before. Thanks to our early investors’ generosity, we will soon partner with promising companies to advance their celiac disease treatment development. If you want to learn more about BCI, I’d love to connect with you.
While we’re still working to find a treatment for celiac disease, we want you to have the best information and resources for creating a safe and healthy gluten-free life. Our newly launched Resource Library has free customizable documents, videos, and images for teachers, cook staff, and even friends and families to help them understand and support children who eat gluten-free.
So please, even when it may feel lonely, know that you and your loved ones are not alone—Beyond Celiac and I will be right there with you every step of the way, from diagnosis to management, and even to the day when we have a treatment beyond the diet. As I always say…
Together for a cure,
—Alice Bast, CEO
P.S. We have a special opportunity this fall. A few generous members of the celiac community have stepped up to match up to $17,000 to accelerate our progress toward a treatment for celiac disease. If you would like to double the impact of your donation, now is the time to join us!
The gluten-free diet can be scary, but have no fear, Beyond Celiac is here! We have our sights set on a cure for celiac disease, and every step you take helps get us closer to our goal.
Join us this fall for self-paced 5Ks in Philadelphia, Boston and Dallas, or virtually.
Proceeds support our work to accelerate research for treatments and a cure. Help us Step Beyond Celiac by registering today!
The best thing about a stir-fry is how customizable it is. Although this recipe calls for quinoa, peppers and in-season squash, feel free to substitute your favorite vegetables, or add tofu or meat for extra protein.
Monkey bread is a sticky, cinnamon bread perfect for group events. Simply pull out a piece, pop it in your mouth, and enjoy!
This recipe was provided by our friends at Gluten-Free Palate.
QUESTION: What percent of researchers investigating celiac disease have a personal connection (ie, were diagnosed or knew someone who was diagnosed) to the disease?
ANSWER: Of the international respondents, 42% said they had a personal connection, which the survey defined as having been diagnosed with celiac disease and/or having a family member or research team member who was diagnosed. Read more.
Join us in Philadelphia this fall for a day packed with presentations on groundbreaking celiac disease research and expert panels about the exciting advancements in the field!
Lunch is included in the ticket price, and all food offered is gluten-free. Space is limited, so we encourage you to register as soon as possible to reserve your spot at the event.
Beyond Celiac research to be highlighted at upcoming international celiac disease symposium
Who’s missing in celiac disease diagnosis and what patients want in clinical trials among Beyond Celiac topics to be presented at upcoming international celiac disease meeting in Sheffield, UK.
A new study that analyzed the activity of more than 10,000 genes found that a drug being investigated to treat celiac disease prevented intestinal damage caused by gluten.
Read more research news on our Research News Feed
This survey intends to provide greater clarity on the experiences that people with celiac disease have when exposed to gluten, including the top symptoms with a negative impact and how symptoms and gluten exposure negatively impact quality of life.
If you’re signed up for Go Beyond Celiac, we invite you to log in and complete this survey. If you haven’t already joined, please become a member of Go Beyond Celiac and start sharing your story today.
Learn more about Go Beyond Celiac
“In 2010, my younger sister, Adison, was diagnosed with celiac disease. After Adison was diagnosed I remember having my celiac disease blood screening and that resulting negative. Little did I know, almost 15 years later I’d join her in being diagnosed with celiac disease!
As someone who lived most of my life supporting my sibling with celiac disease before my own diagnosis, it has been so helpful to have my sister as a support system as I go through what she did when she was first diagnosed.“
Meet 4 Colleges Taking ‘Allergy-Friendly’ Food to the Next Level
Allergic Living toured the dining halls of four US colleges that take allergy protocols and tasty cuisine seriously. Students looking for allergy-friendly and gluten-free options on these campuses can find Purple Zones to Allergen Captains, custom meals, after-hours solutions, mobile ordering innovations, and more. If you know a prospective student with celiac disease, consider looking into these options.
These Sweet Treats Could Change the World!
In the dense metropolis of Miami are three girls whose baked goods could help change the world. Emilia, Luciana and Raffaella are the minds behind Glee!, a seasonal baking start-up that serves up delectable gluten-free (GF) treats. But instead of pocketing the proceeds, they’re donating the proceeds to Beyond Celiac and, ultimately, research for treatments.
Raise Money for Beyond Celiac on Facebook!
Happy birth month to all our September-born community members! When your big day rolls around, consider raising money for Beyond Celiac so that we can help fund new research by scientists in the celiac disease field. And a HUGE thank you to everyone who’s created fundraisers for us throughout the years! These fundraisers help make our important work possible.
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