The response to this post has been simply amazing, making me wish everyday was April Fools Day! So, I've decided to leave it up for a few more days. Because, if this is what is takes to raise awareness, I'll gladly play the fool. Thanks again to everyone who has passed it on.
Today, Hollywood Insiders are reporting the story behind the story of the recent Flour Bombing Attack on Kim Kardashian on March 22, as she was walking the Red Carpet toward the launch of her new perfume. The super secret news being leaked from the Kardashian camp describes "an unfortunate intestinal reaction after inhaling the flour that exploded in Kim's face". While it wasn't immediately clear if it was Kim or someone close to her who experienced the Gluten-Reaction, statistically it all makes perfect sense. We know that 1in133 people have Celiac Disease and 97% of them remain undiagnosed. Additionally, the newest research identifies the Gluten-Sensitivity Spectrum Disorder revealing that up to 40% of the US population could have some sensitivty to gluten.
Just considering the Paparazzi and assistants in the room, there must have been at least one undianosed Celiac and several Gluten-Sensitives sharing the flying flour with Kim Kardashian.
Digging deeper into the bowels of Camp Kardashian reveals the possibility of a BIG announcement this next week. Specuation continues to grow. Is Kim or someone close to her going to emerge out of the flour fog to reveal a diagnosis of Celiac or gluten-sensitivity??? Who's going to break the news? A flashy press conference? A lead story on Entertainment Tonight ? Certainly the cover of People Magazine and the Star Magazine. Of course the tabloids will all weigh in with their version of Kim's news. And all of it will be splashed across the front pages of the National Enquirer and the Globe. Hopefully the gut-wrenching news of "Gluten-Gate" can share the spotlight with the latest revelation about Elvis'Two-Headed-Alien-Love-Child.
Stay Tuned America... for what could be:
"the diagnosis heard about the world"
Oh...but wait. Oh yeah, what is today? April 1st?
Happy April Fool's Day Everyone.
Now, please tell me. Did you think this was a real story? Did I have you at Flour Bomb? Did you get the joke? Or have I gone too far in my efforts to raise awareness?
I hope no one is offended by my tongue-in-cheek accounting of Kim's dusting. Please read on to fully appreciate the reason for the sneak attack. On March 22, before the flour dust had a chance to settle onto the Red Carpet, every detail of Kim Kardashian's Flour Bombing was being discussed around the world. And, check it out: when the flour dust finally settled - they were covering the guy vaccumming it up! (As you can see...April Fools Day or not, I'm not making that up.) Now imagine if the word "Celiac" or "Gluten-Sensitivity" had been attached to the story.
In March, well in advance of Celiac Disease Awareness Month in May, our press efforts began. And on behalf of the Celiac Disease Foundation, I sent out Press Kits, PSA's and Media Advisories to all of the Major Networks and newspapers. The fact is that it is almost impossible to get any press coverage about the "#1 Disease You've Never Heard Of". WHY? Because Celiac is just NOT a SEXY disease. But with a potential Celebrity Connection like Kim Kardashian, the level of awarenesss about Celiac would explode worldwide. Seeing themselves in the symptoms that would be reported, more and more people would demand to be tested. One such story would truly rock the Celiac World, increase diagnosis and save lives. And that's why I'm pulling your gluten-free leg today.
Finally, for the record: If I could be Famous for Being Famous for just one day, I would willingly throw myself into the path of an on-coming flour bomb to raise awareness. It's just that important.
Unfortunately no one would care. But that's OK. Maybe if you pass this post along it will get people to think. May is only four weeks away, plenty of time to rev up a grassroots effort to raise awareness.
