where does the money go?

 As gluten-free foods are oftentimes more expensive, the cost of a gluten-free diet can be burdensome for families.  The “Celiac Family Support Fund” is a program which offers support to 12 families per year in the form of monthly $100 gift cards (12 per year) to assist with the purchase of food.  In addition to this gift card support, the Social Work team assists families in connecting with other community resources.   

 Because food and eating together are central to a child’s growth and development, the Celiac Program has emphasized community-building, sharing experiences, and growing together.  The Celiac Program hosts quarterly “Meet-Up” events and these have included GF bread tasting activities, a GF holiday cookie exchange, and expert panels led by members of the Celiac Youth Leadership Council.    

 Preparing a kitchen to support gluten-free cooking can be overwhelming for families newly diagnosed with celiac disease.  The GF Kitchen Starter Kit Program provides families who apply a variety of new kitchen items to begin their gluten free journey.  Items shipped via Amazon to families include: new cutting boards, a toaster, a colander, and utensils.   

 The Seattle Children’s Celiac Program engages in research to improve the diagnosis and care of children with celiac disease.  Research areas of focus include the presentation of celiac disease, the usage of labs to make the serological diagnosis of celiac disease, and the increased cost of a GF diet.  Ongoing research aims to assess nutrient and food additive consumption on a GF diet.  

 The Celiac Program has connected with community pediatricians to raise awareness about the prevalence and screening for celiac disease.  Community webinars have included a film screening of “The Celiac Project,” a dialogue on the “Transition to College with Celiac,” a presentation on “Traveling with Celiac Disease,” and a bread-making class with James Beard award finalist, Aran Goyoaga.  Dr. Dale Lee has discussed celiac disease on podcasts including: The Celiac Project, and The Cribsiders.   

 The Celiac Program has created opportunities for peer-mentoring at quarterly Meet-Ups and integrates Social Work support into Celiac Clinic. In Celiac Clinic, letters are provided to families to help explain celiac disease to schools and assist in development of 504 plans.