What is Team Gluten-Free™?

Team Gluten-Free™ is a fundraising program that provides a simple way for runners, walkers, cyclists and triathletes to raise awareness and funds for Celiac Disease. The money raised by Team Gluten-Free™ participants goes directly towards summer camp scholarships for children on the gluten-free diet as well as Celiac Disease research, support and awareness programs. Team Gluten-Free™ is a fundraising arm of the Celiac Disease Foundation, a 501 (c)(3) non-profit, public benefit corporation dedicated to the education of patients, families and health care professionals.

BECOME A PART OF TEAM Gluten-Free™

1. Select any race in any city that you wish to participate in. The race can be any distance (5K, 10K, half marathon, full marathon, etc.) and any activity (walk, run, cycle, swim, etc.). Most races can be found on Google or listed in your local running store.
2. Join Team Gluten-Free™! Mail, fax or email your completed registration/waiver form to the Team Gluten-Free™ office. The registration form is located at the end of this information packet.
3. Mail the registration fee to the Team Gluten-Free™ office ($25 for adults 18+, $15 for kids 17 and under), or contact the Celiac Disease Foundation at 818-990-2354 if you would like to use a credit card. This fee includes your Team Gluten-Free™ shirt (choose either a moisture-wicking or cotton shirt), training schedule and fundraising materials. (If you already own a TGF shirt, please refer to the FAQ section). The moisture-wicking shirts are available in adult small—adult XL. The cotton shirts come in youth S, M, L and adult small —adult XL.
4. Once registered with Team Gluten-Free™, you will receive the Team Gluten-Free™ Welcome Packet which includes fundraising materials and training information.
5. Set up your own fundraising web page! Create a customized fundraising web page and share with your family, friends and coworkers. It costs approximately $400 to send one child to a gluten-free summer camp for a week, so this is a great goal to start with!
6. Train for your race so you are ready for your big day! The Team Gluten-Free™ office can help you find other Team Gluten-Free™ members in your area if you are interested in training with other people.
7. Complete your race wearing your Team Gluten-Free™ shirt and create awareness for Celiac Disease!

What is Celiac Disease?

Celiac Disease is a genetic disorder affecting 1 in 133 Americans. People with Celiac Disease are unable to digest gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley and rye. If gluten is consumed, the small intestinal villi are damaged, preventing the absorption of many important nutrients, causing a variety of health problems. Strict adherence to a gluten-free diet will allow the intestinal lining to heal, and most patients can live a normal and healthy life. However, this can be a difficult task as there are many hidden sources of gluten in processed foods. Gluten is found in all forms of wheat including durum, semolina, spelt and related grain hybrids such as triticale and kamut.

The long-term effect of untreated Celiac Disease can be life-threatening. Patients have a greater risk of developing other conditions including Addison's disease, autoimmune chronic active hepatitis, Alopecia Areata, Graves' disease, insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (type 1), myasthenia gravis, scleroderma, Sjogren's syndrome, lupus, and thyroid disease. Adhering to the gluten-free diet is necessary to avoid these complications. Patients must avoid all products containing wheat, barley and rye and their derivatives. There is not yet a pharmaceutical cure for Celiac Disease.

Fortunately, you can ask your doctor for a simple blood test to see if you have Celiac Disease.

Download a Celiac Disease symptom checklist.

Become a Team Gluten-Free™ Member!

Team Gluten-Free™ members receive:

• Comprehensive training schedules.
• Race day team tank or t-shirt.
• Fundraising materials and ideas.
• Nutrition, hydration and clothing advice.

A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to complete a personal goal and, at the same time, support Celiac Disease research and awareness programs and send Celiac children to camp.