Sometimes the hardest battles in life are the ones no one can see. Celiac disease is one battle that many face throughout the United States. As someone with celiac disease, I wanted to make a difference. Ghandi once said, "Be the change you want to see in the world." For the past three years, I have been living that change as the founder and president of the Teens Living with Celiac, NJ non-profit organization. I developed the organization to raise awareness and give support to other kids and teens with celiac disease. For many years, I felt alone but now I realize that I am not. I want to help others realize that too.
When I was six years old, I got severely sick and was misdiagnosed with many illnesses, after three years of testing one had comeback definite. I was diagnosed with Celiac disease. The only treatment for celiac disease is adhering to a strict gluten free lifestyle. If I were to eat foods with gluten, severe damage can happen to my small intestine resulting in days spent in bed. Even after my diagnosis, I was facing many obstacles stemming from celiac disease. I no longer wanted to let those obstacles stand in the way of living a happy life.
At fifteen years old, I met a girl with celiac disease and realized that I am not in this fight alone. After my encounter with her, a light bulb lit up inside my head! I thought what if I could do something in my community to raise more awareness so that other kids and teens like me do not have to suffer alone. That same year, I applied for a grant from Scholastic through Clifford's Be BIG In Your Community 2011 Contest. Basically, I described the need of celiac education within my community so that I can help others. Let's just say, August 24, 2011 was one of the best days of my life. I received a letter stating that not only did I receive First Prize out of 1,000 entries but I was the youngest recipient of the award.
With my prize money, I established my non-profit organization and hosted the Catwalk For Celiac Fashion Show fund-raiser. Through the fund-raiser, I raised approximately $10,000 for my organization so that I can develop projects for kids and teens. Within the past three years, my life has changed completely. I have learned to use celiac disease as my superpower because without it I would not be considered a hero or role model to others.
Currently, I am the national teen advocate for celiac disease awareness. I have shared my story from coast to coast. I have been interviewed for online magazines and websites. My most recent interview was on the popular web show, "The Celiac Diva Show." I never thought I could be able to make a difference because I am only one person. But, through this experience I know now that it only takes one person to make a change.
When I was six years old, I got severely sick and was misdiagnosed with many illnesses, after three years of testing one had comeback definite. I was diagnosed with Celiac disease. The only treatment for celiac disease is adhering to a strict gluten free lifestyle. If I were to eat foods with gluten, severe damage can happen to my small intestine resulting in days spent in bed. Even after my diagnosis, I was facing many obstacles stemming from celiac disease. I no longer wanted to let those obstacles stand in the way of living a happy life.
At fifteen years old, I met a girl with celiac disease and realized that I am not in this fight alone. After my encounter with her, a light bulb lit up inside my head! I thought what if I could do something in my community to raise more awareness so that other kids and teens like me do not have to suffer alone. That same year, I applied for a grant from Scholastic through Clifford's Be BIG In Your Community 2011 Contest. Basically, I described the need of celiac education within my community so that I can help others. Let's just say, August 24, 2011 was one of the best days of my life. I received a letter stating that not only did I receive First Prize out of 1,000 entries but I was the youngest recipient of the award.
With my prize money, I established my non-profit organization and hosted the Catwalk For Celiac Fashion Show fund-raiser. Through the fund-raiser, I raised approximately $10,000 for my organization so that I can develop projects for kids and teens. Within the past three years, my life has changed completely. I have learned to use celiac disease as my superpower because without it I would not be considered a hero or role model to others.
Currently, I am the national teen advocate for celiac disease awareness. I have shared my story from coast to coast. I have been interviewed for online magazines and websites. My most recent interview was on the popular web show, "The Celiac Diva Show." I never thought I could be able to make a difference because I am only one person. But, through this experience I know now that it only takes one person to make a change.
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