Locust Grove Trail Race-5K

This past Thursday, I participated in a 5K Trail Race at Locust Grove in Wappingers Falls. I particularly enjoyed the scenic route that included the Samuel Morse House, beautiful views of the Hudson River, and a challenging uphill climb. Most importantly, I was also able to raise money for Team Gluten Free! I would love to run more races at college next year, and continue to raise money for celiac disease awareness and research. Here are some pictures of the race. I also wanted to say congratulations to my sister for finishing-she did so well!!

Hudson Valley Celiac Support Group Meeting & Ravioli!

A few weeks ago, I was invited by the Hudson Valley Celiac Support Group to speak about My Kidz Gluten Free Products, as well as bring delicious bread samples. Once again, I enjoyed sharing my story with the members of the support group, and loved the opportunity to hear the personal stories of others. I am excited for the support group's potluck in August; I wish I could attend, but unfortunately, I'll be at college.
Upcoming Event: This Thursday, I will be running a local 5K in Dutchess County, New York, and have registered as a member of the Celiac Disease Foundation's Team Gluten Free. The money I raise for the race will be used for scholarships in order to send children to gluten-free summer camps, as well as benefit celiac disease research.
Finally, I wanted to share the gluten-free ravioli my family and I made this weekend. We used a gluten-free all purpose flour and the filling was made using ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, eggs, salt, pepper and parsley. Fork marks on the edges kept the filling from falling out (check out the first picture!) They were delicious!

Women's Expo in Kingston

Last Saturday, I was invited to speak at the Women's Health Expo in Kingston, New York. I met with Linda Freeman, founder of the the Hudson Valley Celiac Support Group, as well as Barbara, who handles advocacy and outreach and invited me to speak. We were also joined by Nancy Ginter, Director of Operations of the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness. Established in 2003 by Alice Bast, the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness is a non-profit organization with the goal of promoting universal awareness of celiac disease, and contributing funds to advancements within the field of celiac disease research. Nancy gave a wonderful presentation that touched upon the basics of celiac disease; she provided the audience with important information, such as the definition of the disease, statistics, and ways to pursue a gluten free lifestyle. Finally, Laurie Brown-Halbert, a nurse practiitioner with an immense knowledge of celiac disease, spoke about commong testing procedures for those who want to be tested for celiac disease. A video of my speech is soon to follow!

Nationwide Events for Celiac Disease

May 1st marks the start of National Celiac Disease Awareness Month!
On Friday, May 6th, the University of Chicago will host its 2011 annual benefit program, Spring Flours. This is an opportunity to contribute to future research within the field of celiac disease, as well as sample gluten-free products from over 30 chefs and bakeries. Though I will not be able to attend this event, I believe that this will greatly benefit the celiac disease community. It it inspiring to see the accomplishments that have been made in celiac disease research by the University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center; I eagerly await the future advancements that will be made in this field.
I also wanted to note an event that will be taking place on May 4th in Washington D.C. The American Celiac Disease Alliance will be hosting a gluten-free labeling summit. Though the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act (FALCPA) had included plans to determine and finalize the standards for gluten-free labeling, the FDA has yet to do so. As awareness of celiac disease is increasing nationwide, it is crucial to meet with our country's representatives and find a compromise that will benefit the celiac disease community.
Here is the link for the gluten-free labeling summit: http://www.1in133.org/

Upcoming Event: Women's Health and Fitness Expo

Save the date! The Women's Health and Fitness Expo will be held in Kingston, NY, on May 7, 2011.  I was invited to speak at this event, along with fellow  members of the Hudson Valley Celiac Support Group.  I will provide a teenager's perspective of celiac disease, as well as talk about My Kidz Gluten Free  products, and the Celiac Disease and Allergy Awareness Club at Arlington High School.  
Nancy D. Ginter, Director of Operations for the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) will also present at the Women's Expo.  The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness is a non-profit national entity with the goal of spreading general knowledge of celiac disease by exploring the disease through research, screening patients, and by hosting events throughout the country.  I am eager hear  Ms. Ginter speak about the basics of celiac disease from the NFCA's perspective, as well as learn about the new strides that have been made in celiac disease research.  Hope to see you there!
http://www.womenshealthexpo.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=74&Itemid=105 

Lecture by Doctor Peter Green

Update on celiac disease:
Doctor Peter Green and author Rory Jones will be giving a lecture on Monday, March 21st at 8:15 p.m., at 92nd Street Y, and Lexington Avenue at 92nd street, New York, New York, 10128. "Gain an understanding of the latest research on celiac disease and gluten sensitivity and why the rate of accurate diagnoses continues to lag in the United States.   Discover the latest advancements pertaining to these complicated conditions that can be diagnosed based upon clinical presentations, specific cereological tests, appropriate genetic testing and response to a gluten-free diet."

Doctor Peter Green established the Celiac Disease Center and is professor of clinical medicine at Columbia University Medical Center, and the author of Celiac Disease: A Hidden Epidemic.
Hope to see many of you there!

Gluten-Free Event Hosted by The Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University

The Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University has done a terrific job organizing events to benefit celiac disease. I have participated in various events put on at the center, many of which catered to teenagers with celiac disease. I have attended a picnic in a Columbia-Presbyterian Hospital courtyard, gone ice skating in Central Park, and was treated to a gluten-free lunch aboard a sailboat traveling the Hudson River. These events have also allowed me to collaborate with teens my age, and have, at times, provided me not only with a gluten-free meal, but a source of support. Columbia's Celiac Disease Center also includes an amalgamation of well-versed gastroenterologists, including the well-known Dr. Peter Green. His book, Celiac Disease: A Hidden Epidemic, has served as my main source of knowledge for the past five years. I was excited to receive this email, detailing another event hosted by the center!

Please join us in Central Park's Wollman Rink
for an ice skating party to benefit the
Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University.
This event is hosted by Emma Teitelbaum.
Date: Sunday, February 27, 2011
Time: 3:30 pm -- 6:00 pm
Location: Wollman Rink, Central Park, New York City
Best entry: 59th street & 6th Avenue. Follow the center path to the rink.

$75 per person includes priority admission to Wollman Rink, skate rental and gluten-free supper available in the Center's private rink side heated party tent.

Please register in advance by completing the attached form and mail to the address below. Please make checks payable to "Trustees of Columbia University"

Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University
Harkness Pavilion
180 Fort Washington Avenue
Suite 934
New York, NY 10032