Ep 138 The New Direction for The Canadian Celiac Association – A Conversation with President Janet Bolton

Let’s start the blog with the show notes for this Episode –

This week I have the pleasure of speaking with Janet Bolton, President of The Canadian Celiac Association.  We talk about the new direction of the CCA, what they are focusing on, and how that renewed focus is beneficial to everyone in Canada who suffers from celiac disease or a gluten related condition.  We identify what’s different these days from the past and how looking more “big picture” is helping the CCA define its direction for the future.  Janet also shares her family’s celiac story.

You can find more information at www.celiac.ca

Look for the “About the CCA” tab for more information on the direction of the organization.

The “News & Events” tab informs of current initiatives.

The tab for the “CCA National Conference” will give you information about the “Expand Your Horizons – II” virtual conference in November, which you can register for now.

The “Events” tab will bring you up to date on current webinars and virtual events being planned.

Sue’s Websites and Social Media

Podcast https://acanadianceliacpodcast.libsyn.com

Podcast Blog – https://www.acanadianceliacblog.com

Facebook – @acanadianceliacpodcast

Twitter – CeliacPodcastCA

Email – acdnceliacpodcast@gmail.com

Baking Website – https://www.suesglutenfreebaking.com

Instagram – @suesgfbaking

YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLUVGfpD4eJwwSc_YjkGagza06yYe3ApzL

Email – sue@suesglutenfreebaking.com

Other Podcast – Gluten Free Weigh In – https://glutenfreeweighin.libsyn.com

My Thoughts

When I finish recording with my guests, I ask them to stay on the meeting to get their feedback, and often, we continue our conversation.  Janet had mentioned her first interaction with the CCA was when she was trying to determine a menu plan for her newly diagnosed daughter.  In our continued conversation after I finished the podcast, I shared with Janet my first contact with the CCA.

At the time, I was living in Bermuda with my husband, and two daughters.  I was diagnosed in late December, was told to go avoid gluten (whatever that was) and a dietician appointment would be made for me in January.  My avoiding gluten didn’t go so well, as I didn’t know what I was doing.  I was hoping my dietician appointment would solve all my problems.  The day before my appointment, I received a call from the dietician asking me to bring money with me to my appointment – I think it was $60?!?  At my appointment, I was told the overwhelming change I needed to make.  It was a bit of a blurr.  Then she asked me for the money, handed over the new members kit from the CCA, told me I was now a member and I needed to contact them with my information.  At the time, this kit was a lifesaver.  It was well presented, easy to understand and written in a sympathetic way.  I absorbed everything, and was excited to receive newsletters and correspondence from the CCA.

If you’ve followed the podcast, you will know that my daughter was diagnosed a few months later and for her the gluten free diet started on her 5th birthday.  Within a couple of years, we both travelled from Bermuda to Hamilton, Ontario to attend a national conference.  This conference had a kid’s program where Deanna met another girl about the same age who was celiac, with a celiac Mom.  They became friends and she and her Mom even visited us in Bermuda.

The CCA was there for me when I was diagnosed.  They made my move back to Canada so much easier for finding gluten free foods and connecting with other celiacs.  Now, there’s a new path for the CCA, while still being the first landing spot for the newly diagnosed, they are looking forward with a larger lens to help us all as science is uncovering new information which will change our lives.  It’s a great ride to be on – Thanks CCA!