Ep 173 Celiac Awareness Month Across Canada
A Conversation with Julie Greene of the Canadian Celiac Association
Let’s start the blog with the show notes for this Episode –
On last week’s episode, #172 I spoke with Melissa Secord, Executive Director of the CCA about things that were happening at the national level for Celiac Awareness Month. On this episode I’m speaking with Julie Greene about everything that’s happening across the country to mark this month, and in particular Sunday, May 16th, Celiac Awareness Day. Julie makes note of all the cities and towns across the country that are having buildings, monuments, bridges and signs lit up green for Celiac Awareness. As well, many chapters and groups across the country are hosting a variety of virtual events for celiacs, children and the newly diagnosed. You can follow many of the events on the CCA website at https://www.celiac.ca/news-events/events/
As well you can follow the social media around Celiac Awareness Month with the hashtags –
#ItsNotPretend
#ShineALightOnCeliac
#GFOreoMoments
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 –
Receiving a diagnosis of celiac disease can often be devastating. So much has to change, and it’s not easy. Many of us found help through community. Sometimes that means a new friend who shares your diagnosis, or finding another parent who is working through the diagnosis of their child. For many of us, connecting through others involved with the Canadian Celiac Association has given us the bond of community.
This past year has tested that bond. We haven’t been able to sit around a table at a meeting, or a meal with our celiac friends. We haven’t been able to share any of our baking or recipes unless it was virtually. We haven’t been able to hold the hand of a parent struggling to understand the diet for their child.
In May we work hard to spread the word, welcome others into our community and celebrate. Social media is often very active with questions, advice and support around celiac disease and the gluten free diet. May is a time to ramp that up, to stretch out our virtual arms to welcome many more in and show them the support available in our community.
For me, May is a celebration. In years past the CCA often had their national conferences and meetings during May. It was a time to re-connect with friends, be hosted by groups in different parts of the country, and enjoy the variety of gluten free food. Vendors would come to show off their new products and most of us knew enough to bring a spare suitcase to fill for the ride home. Awareness is something that can be shouted from the rooftops. This year is different, and I’m so pleased to hear of the creative ways that members, and volunteers from across Canada has pitched in to come up with new ways to connect. Like everything, when the pandemic is over and we go back to our previous lives, they won’t be the same. We’ve stepped up our game, we’ve innovated. We are reaching more people in more ways. Shine the light – the future is bright!