Team Gluten Free ::: Celiac Stories

Carrie with her daughters Mason and McKenna

Please share your story!

Have you been a part of Team Gluten-Free™?

Please share you story!

You can send your comments to: info@teamglutenfree.org

MY STORY — by Carrie Owen, Founder, Team Gluten-Free™

Our daughter was diagnosed with Celiac Disease at eighteen months in October 2003. We had never heard of Celiac Disease and we were quite devastated by the diagnosis. Her favorite foods like pasta and crackers were now poison to her and we were afraid to feed her. In the months that followed, we learned a lot about the only treatment for the disease—the gluten-free diet—and even more about the disease itself. We were shocked to learn 1 in 133 Americans have Celiac Disease and even more shocking, 97% of them don’t know it yet.

I knew fundraising and creating awareness were extremely important. I wanted to help others get diagnosed as well as raise funds for research. Many charities use endurance races as a fundraising platform. I figured if it worked for them, it could work for Celiac Disease too. Our group would raise money while increasing awareness on a national level. After all, groups have been doing this for years with great success. And one afternoon Team Gluten-Free™ was born.

We ran our first race in January 2005 at the P.F. Chang’s Rock ‘N’ Roll Arizona Marathon and Half Marathon in Phoenix, AZ. We have been running strong ever since. The monies we raise go directly to Celiac Disease research and awareness programs as well as camp scholarships for Celiac children. It has been a wonderful experience and I am proud to be part of such a great organization. Please visit our home page to see our race line-up. If you don’t see a race near you, please inquire about our Bring Team Gluten-Free™ To Your Town program. Anyone can participate and we welcome runners, walkers and cyclists.

I encourage you to tell your friends and family about Team Gluten-Free™ and help us spread the word about Celiac Disease. McKenna is now five years old and extremely healthy. Please join me as we “race to improve the lives of those with Celiac Disease.”

MY STORY — by Sarah Givens, San Diego, California

On May 17th, 2008 we had 30+ runners and walkers of all ages participate in the City of Encinitas 5K and 1K Run on behalf of Team Gluten Free. It was such a thrill to see the runners go by in their bright green shirts. Boy did we stand out.

When it got time to get the kids ready for the Kids 1K Fun Run, I had tears in my eyes seeing all of these Celiac kids and their friends getting excited to show their stuff.

My daughter had such pride in knowing that all of these people came out to support "her" cause.

I had more than 10 people ask me about the program, a few saying they knew someone who was in the process of a potential diagnosis for Celiac Disease. Others had never heard of Celiac Disease, but may now take a second look at the gluten free pasta at Whole Foods.

We even had the race announcer comment on our team unity (and those bright shirts). It was a very fulfilling day as a mother who wants to make my daughter's Gluten Free world just a little better.

– Sarah Givens, San Diego, California

MY STORY — by Poskarbiewicz Family, Cleveland, Ohio

Our daughter was diagnosed with Celiac Disease at age 7, after many years of illness and frequent trips to the school nurse. She is now 12 years old and doing very well! In addition, her diagnosis spurred my husband to be tested since he has had many years of stomach trouble and illness.

Since their diagnosis, we have tried to find as much support as possible. In our area (Cleveland), the local support group decided to join with TGF to participate in the Cleveland Rite Aid Marathon.

Since our family does not run, we decided to do the 10 K walk together. We felt this was a great opportunity to raise awareness of the disease and raise money for the cause!

We drafted a letter to send to all of our family, friends, co-workers and daughter's teachers. In it, we explained what Celiac Disease is, the impact it has on a person's life, what TGF was all about and how the money would be used. In addition, we talked about our hopes for our daughter's future - that by the time she gets to college, CD will be a common and easily managed dietary concern for every college food service department. We want her to be able to hang out with friends, share a meal and not always feel like she is "different".

Well, we had a great response from everyone and our small family was able to raise $600 in a few short weeks! We also received many wonderful notes of support and encouragement from our donors. Just imagine if everyone could get their story out like this - how many lives will we change by raising awareness and funds to support research?

We may never know but all of the effort is worthwhile! Thank you TGF for spearheading this effort. Our family had a wonderful time getting ready for our walk and raising funds together!

-Poskarbiewicz Family, Cleveland, Ohio