Staying Celiac Strong, Together

Stanford Medicine Children’s Health holds community celiac disease event

When your gut feels healthy, you feel more ready to take on the world. That was the premise behind our recent “Celiac Strong: Empowering the Gluten-Free Community” event, held May 20, 2023. The event was part of our commitment to help children and adults in our community live their best lives, despite having a digestive inflammatory disease.

Celiac disease—an inherited autoimmune disorder—affects the small intestine and other areas of the body. While there is no cure for celiac disease, eating a completely gluten-free diet can bring relief from common symptoms of stomach distress and upset.

During our “Celiac Strong” event, we brought together tremendous minds from our Center for Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Celiac Disease at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health who spoke about every aspect of celiac disease, including how it affects the body, how to eat gluten-free, and the psychological impacts of celiac disease. We also shared hope found in promising innovations that we are discovering through clinical trials and research.

Presenting experts included our nationally renowned gastroenterologists, integrative medicine GI doctors, specialized dietitians, psychologists, nurse practitioners, social workers, and clinical researchers. Michael Rosen, MD, MSCI, director of our Center for Pediatric IBD and Celiac Disease, and Hilary Jericho, MD, MSCI, director of Stanford Medicine Children’s Health’s Celiac Disease Program, kicked off the event with a captivating introduction to our services.

Eighty-nine children, young adults, and family members attended the morning event. They learned vital information, such as how gluten causes inflammation in the small intestine, the psychosocial impact of celiac disease, and the latest clinical trials and research.

They also learned tips on how to adhere to a strict gluten-free diet. Gluten is found in grains, particularly wheat, barley, and rye, and can be found in oats. Learning a gluten-free diet isn’t easy or obvious. That’s why we support our families with complete nutritional support in our Celiac Disease Program. 

At the end of the event, our nine-speaker expert panel held a lively question-and-answer session where participants asked great questions about celiac disease and living with it. The day concluded with families visiting vendor tables to sample gluten-free products and pick up educational materials.

At Stanford Children’s, we’re dedicated to providing children with the very latest solutions for a wide variety of digestive inflammatory diseases. Our Center for Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) and Celiac Disease takes a multidisciplinary, whole-child approach that ensures we care for every aspect of the health and wellness of children in our community.

Learn more about our tailored, leading-edge care for IBD and celiac disease >

Follow the center on twitter @IBD_CeliacKids.