Monday, October 13th, 2008
Free Celiac Screening - October 18, 2008
The University of Chicago-renowned for its prestigious academic programs-is also home to the Celiac Disease Center, a non-profit organization devoted to spreading the word about celiac disease and helping those struggling with the ailment.
The center began in 2000 and was the first of its kind. Made up of doctors who specialize in infertility,
thyroid disease, dermatology, diabetes, cancer, and other disorders often linked with celiac disease, the center helps those with the disease and continues to search for innovative treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
Apart from conducting significant research and offering patient services to celiacs, the center also has an information hotline, a hands-on education center for medical professionals, and a care package program that delivers gift baskets of food and resources to the newly diagnosed celiacs all over the country.
The celiac center was started in an effort to educate doctors on the disease and dispel the previously held belief that the disease was rare. Many doctors weren’t, and still aren’t, screening for the disease, and many insurance companies won’t cover the screening costs.
For anyone at risk for celiac disease, the Celiac Disease Center is offering a free celiac blood screening on Saturday, October 18. The center offers the free screening each fall and nearly 500 participants come from the Chicagoland and countrywide. This is a great opportunity for those who can’t otherwise get tested.
My friend Kip will venture to Chicago this Saturday, along with his wife and beautiful two-year old daughter, to take part in the free screening. His wife was previously diagnosed as Celiac; both she and Kip are concerned that their daughter shares the disease. The screening will shape their lifelong nutritional journey as a family.
I’ve asked Kip to comment on his experience from a father’s point of view. Should any other blog readers know of someone who has been screened for celiac disease, or if you yourself have gone through the testing experience, please feel open to share your experience in the comments section below.
For more information on the free screening, or to pre-register, call the center’s office at (773) 702-7593 or visit the center’s website.