Episode 18 Melissa Secord Talks about Celiac Awareness Month
Here are the upcoming dates for events Melissa spoke about:
May 10 – Facebook Live Day sponsored by Schar
May 14 – CN Tower Lighting (green)
May 16 – Celiac Giving Day and Twitter Party 9pm EDT
May 23 – GF101 webinar– Open to the public with Val Vaartnou, Vancouver Chapter
May 29 – Bone Health webinar in partnership with Osteoporosis Canada (free)
My relationship with the Canadian Celiac Association goes back to my diagnosis. Within a couple of weeks of my diagnosis, an appointment was made for me with a dietician. Before the appointment, I was contacted and asked to bring my cheque book with me (back when we used cheques regularly). I was living in Bermuda at the time, so I just assumed there was a user fee for the dietician.
At my appointment, we sat down and started talking. I quickly realized that I was in way over my head. There was so much to learn and master quickly. It wasn’t long before I was told about the Canadian Celiac Association. It was described as one of the most reliable and comprehensive sources for information and support. I was given an armful of informational booklets and brochures, all with the CCA logo on them. I was asked for a cheque to pay for my first year’s membership, and was sent on my way.
I didn’t realize at the time that this was not the norm for newbies to celiac or the gluten free diet. I was comforted from the get go that I was now part of a wider community that would be my crutch, my support. I quickly became involved in a small local group and realized that the CCA, although, not officially guiding this group, was a major part of both education and support.
Once my daughter was diagnosed a few months later, we became more involved in the CCA, even flying to Canada to attend a conference in Hamilton. My daughter met another girl who was also there with her mother, and they became fast friends.
On moving back to Canada years later, it wasn’t long before I looked up my local chapter and became involved. To me, celiac disease, the gluten free diet and the Canadian Celiac Association go hand in hand. I could not cope with either the condition or the diet without the CCA. We are fortunate to have such a well-respected organization to be our voice. I encourage everyone with celiac disease, or gluten sensitivity to become a member. The CCA touches many lives, it’s great to be a part of the organization that represents a solution.
Ep 18 Melissa Secord of the CCA on Celiac Awareness Month
May is Celiac Awareness Month and the Canadian Celiac Association has many events planned to celebrate and inform. Melissa Secord is the Executive Director of the CCA, and she explains what is being done online and across the country. Some of the events she mentions coming up are: May 10 -