After many years of frustration and searching, I was finally diagnosed with Celiac disease in 2005. Even though the thought of following a gluten free diet for the rest of my life was somewhat intimidating, being able to finally put a name to my condition was a huge relief. I could finally chart a course that would bring me back to health.
What I didn’t realize at the time, was that this disease would also affect my son, Jake. Jake was 8 years old at the time and appeared to be a normal child. Yes, he was somewhat small for his age but seemed healthy and happy. He was occasionally bothered with digestive issues (diarrhea and constipation) but those episodes never seemed severe enough for us to suspect a deeper health issue.
When I researched celiac disease after my diagnosis, I found that there was a strong hereditary component to the condition. Somewhere around 10 -20% of the children of celiacs also acquire the disease themselves. Once I found that information, I started to suspect that Jake may also have celiac. Long story short, Jake received his celiac diagnosis 4 months after mine.
That day started a long journey of discovery for both Jake, and me. It was one thing to be struggling with the gluten-free lifestyle as a 38 year old man. It was quite another to be fighting that same battle as a little boy. What could be a minor annoyance for me (not being able to eat cake at a party) had the potential to be a social disaster for my child. Together, we learned ways to cope with all these situations and 4 years later, Jake is a happy, healthy, well adjusted young man.
It was out of these experiences, that the idea for the “Children’s Celiac Survival Guide” was born. I had learned a lot during that time about how to cope with this condition. I had also met many other parents of celiac kids who were struggling to help their children live a normal lifestyle. I decided to make it my mission to help these parents, help their children.
I designed the “Children’s Celiac Survival Guide” to be a complete resource for the parent of a celiac. I’ve poured years of research and experience into the guide, making it a “one stop shop” for parents.
Chapters include:
- correctly diagnosing celiac in children (including the most common medical error made in this process)
- gluten free diet strategies for kids (how to survive those birthday parties)
- restaurant and fast food gluten free options (unbelievably helpful!)
and much, much more!
I’m currently in the process of updating The Guide for 2009 and would like your help. In exchange for your feedback on the updates, I’ll give you a review copy of “The Children’s Celiac Survival Guide” free of charge. All you have to do is enter your name and email address below.
After that, I’ll send you one email (no more than that) asking your feedback, to help me produce a more helpful product for other parents.
Thank you and I look forward to helping you in your journey of raising a happy, healthy child!
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