Not Even A Crumb

It's Not Your Grandmother's Gluten-Free Road Trip

Experience tells us that traveling while Celiac can often be a wild-card experience. Made even more wild on any holiday weekend. Unless you're going to your Gluten-Free Gramma's house, you're taking your chances with any food stop along the way.

Seriously, I'm sure there's a mathematical equation  laying out exactly the increased likely-hood of cross-contamination based on the number of fully glutanized diners within a certain radius of you. So I know many of us try to stay close to the home-base on weekends. But this Memorial Day Weekend I was invited by Sharna Kahn to join her Monterey Bay Gluten Free Living Support Group for a Gluten-Free Picnic. The picnic is sponsored by Rudi's GF Bread as part of their "Buns on the Run" Tour. Rudis continues to take their fabulous bus up the California Coastline on their way to Oregon and Washington. Sharna also mentioned that Pamelas was sending product. So far, Pamela's almond-based mix remains my family's favorite pancake.

And so, throwing gluten-free caution to the wind (not really),  we got on the road yesterday afternoon. "Get Away Friday" they call it. It should be called: "Get out of my way you (@*&#*^%^!!!... " "Don't you know that I own the road?"

Along with millions of our new best friends we enjoyed a beautiful drive up the California Coast. And I think we all stopped in Santa Barbara for a snack. Even though Celiacs all travel with our respective big bag 'o snacks, the snack is always greener....you get it. And who wouldn't stop in Santa Barbara? It's gorgeous and Oprah's house is right next door, there might be a sighting.

Rick and I found a Chipolte with a resonable line. I've visited Chipolte in several states now and I find that their staff is always helpful - but often clueless. Like most restaurants, especially fast food stops, I believe that as long as I communicate directly to anyone touching my food, I can be safe. It is my responsibility to make sure they understand. They always listen carefully, willingly change gloves and utensils and wash hands. As I walked to the head of the line, I was prepared with my standard spiel. The server was ready to take my order. His gloved hands resting on a tall pile of large flour tortillas. And then the wild-card came into play. I went down my list waiting for the nod of recognition...nothing. "What is it, again?" "Wheat" I said patiently. "Oh, wheat. We don't have any wheat", he said smiled confidently, pumping his hands up and down on the pile of tortillas.

Really? Really? Yes, he was serious, and it went like this:  

NEAC: "You are leaning on flour tortillas!"

Server: "Huh?".

NEAC:(pointing) "Flour"

Server: "Oh yeah, but we don't use any wheat"

NEAC: (wondering where the candid camera was hiding): "Flour is wheat!!!"

I might have been getting a little loud as just then another server stepped up, and in one quick move, she pushed Mr. Flour aside, taking off her gloves, starting to wash her hands she said that she understood completely. As he stepped off the line, Mr Flour mumbled to himself."Wow, flour is wheat. I didn't know that". Wow is right! Is there a chalk board in the back room where he can write that 500 times? But now I knew I was in good hands. My food made its way down the line.The new server communicating to each one at every station along the way. And that's the way you do it. I was very pleased with the outcome, but it could have gone very wrong. If they're going to enbrace the GF consumer, Chipolte needs to be sure every server is up to speed with what it means.

We all got back on the 101 FWY (except Oprah) and made our way to Monterey. It was after 10:00 when we arrived at PF Changs.(open til 11:00 on Fridays). As soon as the words "gluten-free and Celiac" came out of my mouth, the server never missed a beat. And as always PF Changs delivered delicious gluten-free fare. I told the manager, it's my experience, that PF Changs consistently gets a Gold Star from the Celiac community. Again, they have set the bar very high with the Monterey location.

Hope everyone has a relaxing Memorial Day. With time to remember all those who have put their lives on the line so that we can be free. And Gluten-Free too! And if you're lucky enough to be near Monterey on Sunday (5-29), stop by El Estero Park. I'll be surrounded by some of my favorite things: Rudi's GF Bread and Buns, Pamela's goodies, my laptop showing our Celiac Awareness PSAs, and like-minded GF foodies.

 

Disclaimer: I am not a Doctor, lawyer, rocket scientist or King. Everything on this website is provided for informational and educational use only and should not be used for any diagnostic purpose. Always consult with your physician regarding your health concerns.

So you say you want a (Gluten-Free)Revolution...?-part deux

I've still got that Beatles song stuck in my head, you too?  For good reason too, I think.

"...Well, you know, we all want to change the world"

(Working on it, one crumb at a time)

"....You say you got a real solution"

 (Yes, it's called a Gluten-Free diet)

"...Well you know,
We'd all want to see the plan"

(The plan is to raise awarness, increase diagnosis and save lives... around the world)

"...You ask me for a contribution"

(Like producing a National PSA to Raise Awareness?)

"...Well you know
We're all doing what we can"

Ok that's enough of the Beatles, I have to get on with it, as this, my longest post ever, is packed with GF goodness. But, seriously, who could ever get enough of the Beatles?

PSA UPDATE: Last week I spent much of my time filling requests for the Broadcast-Ready file. On the Network front, CBS Cares has requested a copy. And KTLA a very popular local station in LA is considering airing it. We're hoping it will be a news story as well. If you haven't seen it, click on the link on the far left.

 RANDOM ACTS of randomness: A while back, one of my posts posed a question: "Do you ever ponder the curious ways the Universe works in an effort to bring like-minded people together? How often do you experience the 'small world, isn't it?' phenomena that gently touches your daily life, with a chance meeting, in a random place that seems like such a perfect fit and all so odd at the same time? If you're like me, before you have too much time to think about it, you're distracted by the next big thing that comes along, which, of course, is all about YOU. My 6 year Gluten-Free journey is full of those experiences. Along the way it seems like exactly the right people have come into my life, exactly when I needed them. And it's doubtful that I'd ever write them all down - because, well they just seemed so random in the moment, right?"

I just realized that this is the first time I've ever quoted myself -  and I love it. Quoting myself makes me feel like a real writer.

Well, the truth of that random theory was really brought home this week. Because of a chance meeting, today our Celiac Awareness PSA has gone global!

In addition to the great speakers and the 70+ vendors, the Conference, as usual, was packed with an incredibly diverse audience. During one of the breaks, a young woman approached the NEAC table. Alexandra and and her twin sister, Kate, had been recently diagnosed and this was her first taste of Gluten-Free Awareness. FACT: In identical twins, when one is diagnosed, in 70% of cases the other twin will be Celiac as well. Which makes perfect sense, the Celiac gene pool is pretty much a puddle where twins are concerned

Ali's sister, Kate, is the founder of the Women's International Perspective. The WIP reports news and world opinion, from a women's perspective - worldwide. They thanked us for producing the PSA and today they have posted our Celiac Awareness PSA on their homepage! Please check out this wonderful site and imagine all the women around the world who might see our PSA and recognize themselves or a loved one. In less than a week, we have been gifted with this fantastic and potentially life-changing opportunity for all concerned as our PSA reaches a global audience. (A moment of silence please, while I pinch myself)

 And now for a Delightful change of pace:

I love to cook - but maybe more than cooking, I love to eat beautiful food. I got my first taste of Delight Magazine when visiting my daughter in Portland a few months ago. The Gluten-Free community is blessed to have some great publications that reflect our GF lifestye, and, like them, Delight magazine is full of good information and lots of recipes. But in my opinion, this is the most beautiful of all the GF publications. The saying says: "You Eat With Your Eyes First", and at first glance Delight Magazine tapped right into my Gluten-Free culinary-sense-memory-bank. A perfect example is this page from the Spring issue. Mini Mac and Cheese Cakes. Enough said. Back in LA I could not find Delight anywhere so I contacted Associate Editor Tiffany Janes. And to help introduce Delight to Southern California, she sent over a case for distribution at the CDF Conference. Hopefully it will be in stores here soon. Also, I just learned that Delight has gone digital! So, if you can't find it in your town, now you have a Delightful choice. Check it out and let me know if you agree, I'll pass along your comments and ideas.

CDF Conference Overview part 2:

Alessio Fasano, M.D: As expected, Dr. Fasano had us from "Hello", or "Ciao", if you are so inclined. Along with a unique  and often humorous style, punctuated with a fabulous slide, he connected with the audience and walked us through the disease process of Celiac Disease. He reminded us that the tTG(IgA) test is still the most reliable. He warned the audience about the limitations of some sort of home test used in Africa that is also available in Canada. His opinion: "Don't buy it".

Martin Kagnoff, M.D: Dr. Kagnoff spoke about advances in research as well as a possible future vaccine. He also discussed the possibility of a pill to inactivate the gluten response if we are accidentally contaminated.

Team Gluten-Free & Red Brick Pizza: Red Brick Pizza is a great friend, a supporter of CDF and a sponsor of our NEAC PSA. But when founders Jim and Lynn Minidis and their sons took the stage, no one knew what to expect. Red Brick has approximately 50 Pizza Cafe's around the country. Along with Kathy Button (Ventura CDF), I consulted with them on the creation of their GF kitchen. They took all of our suggestions to heart. From a completely separate prep area, color coded utensils, to a separate pizza stone in the oven; they have done it right! Their GF pizza is a huge hit here in LA and now they've decided to donate a portion of every GF pizza to Team Gluten-Free. They surprised CDF with a check and the news that they are also sponsoring (celiac) Carrie Willoughby, U.S. Paralympic cyclist and swimmer.

Go Team Red Brick!

Carol Fenster, PhD: I have a special place in my heart for Carol Fenster. Shortly after diagnosis (6 years ago), Amy called me from our local book store. Crying tears of joy because she had found a Gluten-Free cookbook with "normal" recipes. If you ever thought your GF diet involved sacrifice, Carol will change your mind. That book, entitled "1000 Gluten-Free Recipes", is huge, as you might expect. But there are no wasted words. If I had to have one GF cookbook for the rest of my life, this would be it. Well, so far.

Carol also made sure that every goodie-bag included copies of the Canadian pamphlet "Pulses and the Gluten-Free Diet".  "Pulses" are what the Canadians call legumes (beans and the like).Carol calls Pulses a "nutritional power house". As we know, our gluten-free diet can be lacking in fiber and some B Vitamins and pulses help to fill in those gaps. And did you know, by simply draining a can of beans you decrease the sodium up to 40%?  You can download a copy of the pamphlet at: www.pulsescanada.com

Finally, a high point of the Conference for me came when, during a break, Carol stopped me in the hall. She told me that the PSA was the best one she'd ever seen and the first one she would recommend. (ok, pinching myself again)

Like I said, over 70 vendors were represented this year. A picture is worth a 1000 samples, right? 

 

 

Whew, thanks for sticking with me today.

Now, the Beatles just have one more thing to add:

"And you know it's gonna be.... alright [x4] "

I agree.

Deb

Disclaimer: I am not a Doctor, lawyer, rocket scientist or King. Everything on this website is provided for informational and educational use only and should not be used for any diagnostic purpose. Always consult with your physician regarding your health concerns.

So You Say You Want A (Gluten-Free) Revolution?

Well... you know...we all want to save the World. (are you humming along with me and John Lennon?)

And I think attendees at the Conference (Celiac Disease Foundation's Annual Educational Conference and Food Faire) on Saturday would agree. We're doing it! We're changing the way the world looks at gluten and their own misunderstood symptoms - one crumb at a time.

(NOTE: If you're here looking for links for the PSAs, keep reading, the link is below)

When we arrived at 8:00 the underground parking at the Universal Hilton was already filling up. Rudi's Van, now healed after our event last week (see previous post), was parked in the circular drive at the entrance. Inside the huge ballroom, breakfast was being served! Besides all the fabulous GF food that awaited us, we knew,as in years past, that our hearts and minds would be filled with all the latest research and other information for living our best Gluten-Free Lifestyle. My next posts will feature reports on the speakers, our three sit down GF feasts as well as the 70+ vendors. But the focus of today's and tomorrow's post will cover the PSA premiere, as well as the Educational and other aspects of the Day.

At around 8:45, CDF Founder Elaine Monarch took the stage. Opening remarks and introductions included Elaine's announcement that, after 21 years, she was retiring. New Executive Director, Rita Hopkins said a few words and Elaine took back the microphone to introduce the day's speakers, which included the reigning rock star of Celiac Research: Alessio Fasano, M.D.

The two giant jumbo screens on either side of the ballroom displayed an image of Senator Robert Huff's California State Senate Resolution to Designate May as Celiac Disease Awareness Month in California. If you follow my posts, you know that it is almost impossible to get legislation passed here in CA - and even more difficult in this economy.  Thanks to Senator Huff, who authored the bill, our light shines brighter here in CA this month.

And then the images on the jumbo screens morphed into a screen-grab of the opening shot of the PSA. Introducing the "World Premiere PSA to Raise Awareness". Susan and I were called to the podium, and even though I knew I would be speaking to over 600 people, there were no nerves. This was family, and I felt a kinship to each and every one. I offered a quick intro, the lights dimmed and then....NOTHING. Seems the A/V guy was out getting coffee. I took a breath and improvised, sort of - using words from a recent post:  "Six years ago, my daughter and I were diagnosed with an incurable disease, and we've been celebrating ever since." There were chuckles in the audience - this was a crowd that could really appreciate the irony of that statement. I saw Mr. A/V walk back in and disappear behind his equipment, but I was on a roll. "Like everyone in this room, we are among the lucky ones. It is estimated that 95% of 3 million Americans still need to be diagnosed, which is why we've created these PSAs to raise awareness....."I felt a little lump in my throat, but I kept it together, wrapped it up and gave the cue. The jumbo screens came to life and the 60 sec PSA looked beautiful. The crowd went wild. The lump was getting bigger as I cued the 30 sec. More cheers. The lights came back up and then...my favorite part. After one deep breath in: "Today, I am thrilled to be able to say that these PSAs are available FREE for the asking! They are broadcast quality, shot in Hi-Def, ready to go. They are fully licensed with no strings attached. Please help us spread the word to raise awareness!" I held back the emotion as I said those words, as in addition to fulfilling a secret promise, they represented the culmination of 2 years of really hard work for me and for Susan.

Outside the ballroom CDF provided a table for us where the PSAs ran on a continuous loop. My son,Jeremy  designed this fabulous poster to help showcase our table. 

The hours that followed are a blur. We talked to dozens upon dozens of like-minded attendees who wanted to help spread the word.  Many had connections to Media, others to local community publications. We even had requests to be included in school and Scout presentations. And now, drum roll please, Here is the 60sec version. A 30 sec and 60 sec with credits (for social media sites) are available as well. Here you go.               

 As I said, they're FREE! We just have one request; if you're posting it to your site, or via other social media, please credit Not Even A Crumb Productions and this site. Also, we encourage any and all feedback and/or suggestions for other tools to raise awareness.

Thanks.

Deb

Finally, we're hoping that most venues can use this "broadcast-ready" file. If you're hoping to get them to your local media, they may require another format such as a beta sp or digi-beta. Or if they want the original file, I can email it to them too. Please contact me here (contact@notevenacrumb.com and I will explain that process.

 

 

Break, Breaking, Broken...

UPDATE: 5-17-11: If you're here looking for the PSAs, we're getting them on the site right now. Please revisit Not Even A Crumb later today. Thanks.

Remember those lazy late Spring afternoons in middle-school spent conjugating verbs? 

Life was so simple back then. But apparently it was very complicated for the news people to find our event on Monday. We're not really sure what happened to KTLA, depending on who's answering the phone at the station, there was either a break-down - of the news-van, or communication - or breaking-news somewhere else in town.  Or maybe they just couldn't find a place to park. But I think I know what really happened.

They were abducted by Aliens!

 

 

 

 

 

 The Alien explanation makes perfect sense to me - this is LA; I bet it happens all the time. And since there was NO "breaking news" at the time, it must have been those pesky Aliens - case closed.

We did have one great newspaper reporter, Mary O'Keefe from the Crescenta Valley Weekly who stayed for the entire event. Her article is linked here. Thank You Mary!

 

The store looked great. There were countless references to the perfect Feng shui. In the final analysis, exactly the right people were in attendance and the event went off perfectly.

When all was said and done, we estimated well over 100 people had come through to share the Celebration.

 In addition to providing her delicious Think Thin Bars, CEO Lizanne Falsetto also donated a sound system which added that special something to our special day.

P.F. Chang's provided Goodie Bags which included coupons for their Gluten-Free Lettuce Wraps.

Rudi's went the extra mile for us, litteraly. After their van  broke down they somehow found a ride to Pam's lugging with them dozens of scrumptous Rudi's Gluten-Free PB&J's. PSA Co-Producer, Susan Valdes did double duty standing in for Lindsey Deitsch, creator of XO Baking Company. Susan served up (to die for) Gluten-Free Fudge Brownies and Gingerbread Cookies.  I was determined to keep the press conference to 20 minutes. And I think we made it. I introduced Pam McDonald, owner of Pam MacD's, followed by Elaine Monarch, Founder of CDF. Elaine thanked Senator Bob Huff for authoring the bill designating May as Celiac Disease Awareness Month in California. David Monroy represented Senator Huff's Office. And then it was time to screen the PSAs. It didn't matter that we were preaching to the choir, this was our first audience - and if we got anything wrong, we would hear about it. After the cheers, there were many requests to see them again. Ultimately we ended up running them on a continuous loop for the duration of the event. I reflected on the memory of just a few months back when ago that my son, Wil Wheaton, invited me to guest post on his blog as we launched our fundraising efforts to produce the PSAs.In 2 1/2 days there were over 10,000 hits to this site. What a wonderful memory, and again we are reminded what is possible. To be sure, our day at Pam's was a memorable and historic day for Celiac Awareness. I am grateful to everyone who participated.

OK, so we were diappointed in our media coverage at Pam's, but there is a bright side to their otherwise dull reporting- Yesterday I got a call from KFWB News Talk, a CBS radio station here in LA. Producer Ken Jefferies had received the Media Kit that I sent to  Bob McCormick, a host of some of the best drive-time radio talk in LA (in my opinion).  I was live on the air on their live radio show this morning. And while I was prepared to talk all things Celiac, they mostly wanted to know about gluten-free food. But I was able to squeeze in a few facts too, so it was all good. I guess they know their audience and I appreciate the opportunity.

Tomorrow is the Celiac Disease Foundation's Annual Educational Conference and Food Faire at the Universal Hilton.We'll be showing the PSAs again, this time on huge screens to hundreds of critics. Additionally, the speakers will be amazing, and over 70 vendors will be tempting us with their Gluten-Free treats. I look forward to blogging about all of it.

Gluten-Sensitivity or Celiac...seems it's all a family affair

Post Event Update: It was my intention that today's post would be all about Monday's Kick-Off Event and World Premiere of the PSAs. As many of you know, it is my misson to raise awareness and increase diagnosis. So, when I saw the following article on this ground-breaking study I knew I had to do my part to get it out to the world. If it's applicable to your family, I hope you'll pass it on.

A complete Event Update, including photos, will be the topic of tomorrow's post.

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After diagnosis, my daughter, Amy and I reached out to our entire family encouraging them to consider being tested - symptomatic or not. Our efforts mostly met with resistance. Today, the results of a new study reveals that relatives of Celiacs - symptomatic or not - benefit from a gluten-free diet. I'll be sending my family a copy of this article. If it applies to you, I thought you might want to do the same.

 

SUNDAY, May 8 (HealthDay News) -- People at risk for celiac disease ought to be screened for the disorder, even if they show no symptoms, a new study suggests.

Celiac disease is a disorder that causes digestive problems in the small intestine when the person consumes gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. The number of U.S. residents with the disease has grown rapidly in recent decades, but, according to the study authors, an estimated 2 million people have the disease but do not know it.

For the study, researchers screened 3,031 healthy people who were related to someone with celiac disease, but had no symptoms themselves, and selected 40 people who tested positive for antibodies specific to celiac disease. By random selection, members of that group were either put on a gluten-free diet or told to continue with their normal diet, containing gluten.

People on a gluten-free diet reported improved gastrointestinal health as well as an overall improvement in their health-related quality of life, compared with the others, according to the study.

"We found that regardless of the clinical presence of celiac disease, most screen-detected patients benefitted from early treatment of a gluten-free diet," Dr. Katri Kaukinen, from the gastroenterology department at Tampere University Hospital and School of Medicine in Finland. HIs team was scheduled to present the findings Monday in Chicago at the Digestive Disease Week conference.

"In addition, the results showed that endomysial-antibody positive patients had an evident gluten-dependent disorder and, therefore, it could be argued that detection of antibody positivity could be sufficient for the diagnosis of celiac disease," she explained in a meeting press release.

After the study, 85 percent of the participants were willing to maintain a gluten-free diet, and 58 percent viewed their screening for celiac disease in a positive light, the researchers said.

"Based on our results, an intensified serological screening of at-risk populations of celiac disease is encouraged," Kaukinen said. "However, more research needs to be done before expanding screening to the general population."

Experts note that research presented at meetings should be considered preliminary because it has not been subjected to the rigorous scrutiny given to research published in medical journals.

**************************************************************************************************************

Maintaining a gluten-free life-style gets easier all the time.  And maybe this article will encourage our families to consider it this time around.

Tomorrow: EVENT UPDATE, INCLUDING THE WHEREABOUTS OF THAT ELUSIVE NEWS VAN
 

GF Vendors Added to FREE Gluten-Free Kick-Off Event (Subtitle: All I want for Mother's Day is a News Van)

 

After all the plotting and planning - tomorrow is our Event to Kick-Off Celiac Disease Awareness Month. At the bottom of this post is the Media Advisory/Press Release that I've been sending out. I've tried to make it informative and professional and NEWSWORTHY! Unfortunately, I guess what I really need is a little blood. "If it bleeds, it leads" is a well-known phrase in the news world. Now, don't get me wrong; I'm a news junkie - and I LOVE watching the Weather Channel. Still, it's amazing to me how many times our local news here in LA is captivated by a high-speed chase ( or a "low speed chase" if you're old enough to remember OJ Simpson). And it's great that every local station has a helicopter on hand for the purpose of patrolling the highways and byways, reporting on traffic and weather. But at the mention of stolen car on the 101 Freeway at rush hour they are all like moths to a flame. And they will follow it...live... for hours. Trumped (interrupted) only by the all-important commercial breaks. Because, of course, we all need to know how 2 cold bathtubs can be an invaluable aid for erectile dysfunction (anyone else confused about how that all works?)And then, it's back to the chase. If we're really lucky, the driver will solo-crash into the guard rail, or a "pit maneuver" will spin him like a top, stopping the car in the center lanes, where the suspect jumps out of and then it's a foot chase over backyard fences, (where, depending on how low they were in the first place, his pants might fall down),  across rail tracks, in and out of the LA River before the suspect quietly gives up, lying facedown-spread-eagle on the pavement. At that point the news anchors all breathe a collective sigh of relief - coffee break is over and it's back to the "real" news.

The truth is, getting Press and other media to cover a small non-profit event, albeit Nationally Recognized, is always a crap-shoot. Unlike the giant non-profits, we don't have funds to hire a publicist. Subscribing to a news service to get the word out is prohibitively expensive. And while it's no secret that the News World is more about entertainment and advertising, I think they have a responsibility to actually report news too. Right? So over the last week I've been hounding the networks and the newspapers. Emails, faxes and calls everyday, using a variety of names and voices, hoping to talk to a real person who will refer me to another real person who can make a real decision to send a camera crew to our real event. This event is a great way to raise awareness in the general public - which fits our mission like a glove. Today, I'm still looking for that Media Angel.

Thanks to Lizanne Falsetto, CEO of Think Thin Bars and one of our co-sponsors, I'm told we can expect one news crew. But you never really know.

EVENT UPDATE: I understand that Rudi's and their van will be using Justins Nut Butter for their PP&J's, and Organic Valley for their cheese. PF Changs has their goodie bags ready to go. Additionally, Pam MacD's is having a one-day sale tomorrow. 15% off all products from our event vendors. That's even better than no sales tax!

I'm letting it go now, going to have Mother's Day Sushi with my son, Wil. So, Dear Reader, Happy Mother's Day to you (if applicable) and your mother. Call her! Tell her you love her, and if she knows anyone in the Media in LA, please send her my way! (contact@notevenacrumb.com) Your mother will understand.

Live from LA, roving reports looking under rocks for same.

Deb

 

 

Contact: Deb Wheaton (contact@notevenacrumb.com)	FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 9 A.M. EDT, May 6, 2011
FREE! Gluten-Free Event Kicks Off Passage of Senate Bill to Designate May as Celiac Disease Awareness Month in California Press Release Scheduled for 12:30

    
                                                                                   Celiac Disease affects 1 in 133 Americans, yet 95% don’t know they have it. Raising awareness is a mission of the Celiac Disease Foundation. 

This May the CA State Legislature is stepping up to address these important issues with the passage of SCR 7 which will designate May as Celiac Disease Awareness Month in California.  The Celiac Disease Foundation (www.celiac.org) is celebrating 21 years of raising awareness.

 

Monday, May 9^th from 11a.m-2p.m the Celiac Disease Foundation and Pam Mac D’s Gluten-Free Market, (3516 W. Magnolia Bl., Burbank) will kick off Celiac Disease Awareness Month in California. Representatives from Senator Robert Huff’s office, the bill’s author will be in attendance to accept a public thank you from CDF Founder, Elaine Monarch.

The event will also include the Worldwide Premiere of the First-Ever PSA to raise awareness about Celiac Disease.

Attendees to this FREE event will also enjoy yummy, sweet and savory samplings from several Gluten-Free Food vendors including sandwiches courtesy of Rudi’s Gluten-Free Bread, baked goods from XO Gluten-Free Baking Company. Samples of Gluten-Free Think Thin Bars will be provided by CEO Lizanne Falsetto. Gluten-Free Goodie Bags are courtesy of PF Changs China Bistro.

Foundation members will be on hand to answer questions and provide informational flyers about Celiac Disease.

 Please join us as we raise awareness about Celiac Disease: “The #1 disease you’ve never heard of©”

 

The Celiac Disease Foundation’s Annual Educational Conference and Food Faire will be held on May 14^th at the Universal Hilton, Universal City

Registration is available on-line: www.celiac.org. , or by calling (818) 990-2354

Breaking News -Press Embracing Awareness Month Kick-Off Event - plus more tasty bites

Early this morning I got a wake-up call from a dear friend. Elaine Monarch is the Founder of the Celiac Disease Foundation. "Deb...you got INK!". The cobwebs cleared quickly - Elaine was telling me that my article was on the front page of the Health and Fitness Section of the Daily News. Here's the link to the article: Daily News - Shining a light on Celiac Disease I'm also excited to report that NBC is reviewing our PSAs. If they're up to Network standards (whatever that means) they'll be added to the PSA network slate.

As we launch into Celiac Disease Awareness Month this year, I'm reflecting on the past 6 years since Amy and I were diagnosed. And I pose this question: Do you ever ponder the curious ways the Universe works in an effort to bring like-minded people together? How often do you experience the "small world, isn't it?" phenomena that gently touches your daily life, with a chance meeting, in a random place that seems like such a perfect fit and all so odd at the same time? If you're like me, before you have too much time to think about it, you're distracted by the next big thing that comes along, which, of course, is all about YOU.

My 6 year Gluten-Free journey is full of those experiences. Along the way it seems like exactly the right people have come into my life, exactly when I needed them. And while it's doubtful that I'd ever write them all down - because, well they just seemed so random in the moment, right? I know that their effects have been cumulative and I have been become a better Celiac because of all of then. And Yes! I know how stupid that sounds, but I can't help myself right now.

And YES! I also know that living a gluten-free lifestyle is NOT a 12 step program, but, if you're gluten-free,  I bet a lot of you will agree that it feels like that at times. And, especially in May, those of us passionately connected to the movement seem to be ravenously looking for converts. And considering all of it, I am inspired by the future of our movement to raise awareness, increase diagnosis and save lives.

I have a very special place in my heart for Lindsey Deitsch. My husband and I met Lindsey quite by accident at a BBQ a couple of years ago. She is a childhood friend of my best friend and co-producer's daughter. Confused yet? Ok, me too. What is important is that Lindsey is one of the lucky ones. Diagnosed in her early 20's, she has figured it out. And she set out to make her mark on the GF world with her own line of baking mixes. It helps that Lindsey is a licensed health and nutrition coach, but most importantly, her mixes are fabulous! I had a chance to sample many of them at the Natural Products Expo. When it came time to film the PSAs, I called on Lindsey. (she is also a CDF member) Not only did she step up to go on-camera in our PSAs, she also provided tons of her home-baked gluten-free baked goods for our cast and crew during the filming. Today I found out that Pam Mac D's Gluten-Free Market is going to carry XO Baking Company and Lindsey is going to arrange for a sampling of her ooey, gooey goodies at our event on May 6th.

Bonus: I have it on good authority that the CA State Assembly will pass our Resolution that day; which will make May 9th an historical day for Celiac's everywhere.

Besides that, Gluten-Free Think Thin Bars have also come on-board as one of our May 9th event co-sponsors. This is a company on a mission much like mine. And they have a wonderful product. For the past couple of years Think Thin Bars have remained my meal replacement go-to when I'm on the go. I'm excited to have them be a part of our event.

And as the Universe keeps on spinning, I hope it will spit you out at Pam MacD's between 11-2 on May 6th.