… I am only one, but I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something. And I will not let what I cannot do interfere with what I can do! ~Edward Everett Hale
Perhaps you have Celiac, or a gluten-sensitivity, or know of someone who does. How can you contribute to making the lives of the gluten-intolerant just a little more convenient and healthier? Certainly, you could make a donation to a Celiac Research Center so they can continue the important work they are doing, but there are also other ways of helping.
Following are a few suggestions to get you on your way:
1. Spread the Word. Don’t be embarrassed about your diagnosis. Have a dialog with others, including sharing your symptoms and if they are experiencing similar symptoms, suggest they get tested. Share useful tips you have learned.
2. Contribute monetarily to a leading Celiac Disease Research Center of your choice (see “Resources” for a list).
3. Contact a Celiac Research Center near you and request to participate in a research study – humans are needed! Here is a current one: http://celiaccorner.com/celiac-gluten-free/7021/
4. Have a Fundraiser:
Think about doing something you are good at (i.e. cooking, a sports activity, arts & crafts), and coordinate a fundraiser. You can have it at your home, school, in a park, at a local restaurant or other business.
5. Purchase products from companies who support celiac research by donating a percentage of their proceeds. Following are just a few:
Enjoy Life Foods By George Glutino
6. Consider signing a food allergen petition – visit our page: http://celiaccorner.com/current-petitions-relating-to-food-allergens/
7. Volunteer at your local support group meetings, and if you do not volunteer, try to attend!
8. When you visit a restaurant that does not have a GF menu – politely suggest they consider adding one, or at a minimum, adding allergen info to the menu. Also suggest they contact either the Gluten Intolerance Group to inquire about restaurant training: http://www.glutenfreerestaurants.org/ or the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness: http://www.celiaclearning.com/
9. Contact and thank mainstream manufacturers whom have added gluten-free products to their product line, so they will consider adding even more (see list of manufacturers).
10. Email or write to DUNKIN DONUTS and ask why they aren’t, at a minimum, offering a lactose-free product, and also suggest they consider offering a gluten-free option. Can you imagine one of the world’s leading coffee & bakery establishments, not considering people with food intolerances?
11. Contact and thank STARBUCKS for offering lactose-free options & the few snacks that are gluten-free, perhaps suggest they add a bakery item.
http://www.starbucks.com/customer-service/contact/nutritional-information-form
12. Contact DOMINOS and suggest they offer a gluten-free pizza that is safe for Celiacs (i.e. dedicated Gfree cooking area)
http://www.dominos.com/home/index.jsp
13. Contact and thank Pharmaceutical companies currently conducting studies/trials and continue to follow their progress:
Alvine: http://www.alvinepharma.com/index.asp?page=126
Alba Therapeutics: http://www.albatherapeutics.com/
Avaxia Biologics: http://www.avaxiabiologics.com/ibd.html
14. Contact airports and suggest they add more vendors offering gluten-free menus, and more GF snack items at kiosks.http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_airlines
15. Check out these wonderful organizations which hold a variety of events around the US to raise money and spread education and awareness of Celiac – see if there is something going on in your area:
- Celiac Awareness Tour: http://www.celiacawarenesstour.com/
- Kicking 4 Celiac: http://www.kicking4celiac.org/
Kathy
September 20, 2011 at 10:02 pmHaving found out that someone in my family was diagnosed, you have helped me understand Celiac. Excellent Information! Thank you.