By: Marilyn Geller, Chief Executive Officer, Celiac Disease Foundation

This year marks a milestone: the Celiac Disease Foundation’s 35th anniversary. From our beginnings as a grassroots movement to becoming a global leader in the fight against celiac disease, we have always been driven by one goal—to improve the lives of everyone affected by this serious chronic autoimmune condition.

Each May, Celiac Disease Awareness Month gives us an opportunity to spotlight one of the world’s most prevalent yet underdiagnosed autoimmune diseases and to inspire action that changes lives. With more than 70% of people living with celiac disease still undiagnosed, this month is about reaching those who may not know they’re at risk, supporting those already managing the disease, and driving research toward better treatments and a cure.

Celiac disease is a serious chronic genetic autoimmune disorder in which eating gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley, causes damage to the small intestine. Left untreated, it can lead to a number of serious health problems, including infertility, osteoporosis, neurological conditions, and an increased risk of cancer, and cardiovascular disease. Because there are currently no approved medications or cures, the only current treatment is a strict, lifelong gluten-free diet, which is often costly and difficult to maintain.

Take Action: Know the Symptoms
One of the most important things you can do this May is recognize the signs of celiac disease—for yourself or a loved one. If you have persistent or unexplained symptoms, or if a family member has been diagnosed with celiac disease, you may be at higher risk. Use our free Celiac Disease Symptoms Assessment Tool to find out whether you might benefit from further testing. Note: You must be eating gluten regularly for the assessment to be accurate.

How You Can Help This May
Celiac Disease Awareness Month is your opportunity to make a real difference, whether by raising awareness, getting involved in research, advocating for federal support, or fundraising to support vital programs.

Contribute to Research Studies and Clinical Trials
Join our iCureCeliac® Patient Registry and explore current clinical trials and studies. Patient data fuels the scientific breakthroughs that lead to new diagnostics, treatments, and—someday—a cure.

Become a Policy Advocate
The Celiac Disease Foundation has led major policy wins, including working with our Congressional partners to secure federal research funding at the National Institutes of Health and Department of Defense. Our advocates have brought celiac disease to the forefront on Capitol Hill, ensuring lawmakers understand the urgent need to support research funding, legislation, and regulatory policies that hold promise to advance diagnosis, treatments, and a cure. Our free online Policy Advocate Training Program gives you the tools to speak up and advocate for the research funding and policy support our community urgently needs.

Learn from Celiac Disease Experts
Take advantage of our free virtual education programs, including:

• Culinary Medicine Webinars to learn about gluten-free nutrition.
• School Support Sessions about managing celiac disease in educational settings.
• Celiac Teen Talks for youth ages 13–17 to provide peer-to-peer support.
• Living with Celiac Virtual Meetups for patients and caregivers.

Apply for Research Funding

If you’re a healthcare provider or medical student focused on celiac disease, explore our research grant opportunities to support your work in improving care and outcomes.

Fundraise with Team Gluten-Free®
Turn your next run, bake sale, birthday, or community event into a Team Gluten-Free® fundraiser to raise awareness and support the Foundation’s research, education, and advocacy initiatives.

About the Celiac Disease Foundation
Founded in 1990, the Celiac Disease Foundation is a leading global patient advocacy organization committed to accelerating diagnosis, treatments, and a cure for celiac disease. We improve health outcomes through strategic investments in research, education, and advocacy. Our iCureCeliac® Patient Registry and iRecruitCeliac.org recruitment platform connect patients with researchers to speed progress toward new therapeutic options for celiac disease management.