Rivers’ Journey With Celiac Disease: From Diagnosis to Resilience

Child with celiac disease embraces a healthier, happier life thanks to Stanford Medicine Children’s Health celiac disease experts

Up until early 2025, Elsie (Rivers) Bensch was a bright-eyed, horse-loving 8-year-old. But two months into the year, Rivers began experiencing severe stomach pain, constipation, weight loss, and anxiety. That’s when Jennifer Bensch and Freddy Bensch, Rivers’ parents, began seeking answers to find out what may be happening to her.

In the midst of different types of evaluations, Jennifer, Rivers’ mom, had an “aha” moment—she noticed that Rivers was feeling better when her dad was out of town and she was cooking gluten-free meals because of her intolerance to gluten. That was when she began wondering if Rivers could also be intolerant to gluten, and so she connected with Rivers’ local pediatrician in Colorado (their home state) to learn more. Upon testing, Rivers’ pediatrician identified elevated markers that were typical of celiac disease—a condition whereby the immune system reacts against gluten, damaging the intestine.

Children often find celiac disease particularly tough, due to dietary challenges and peer pressure, which can lead to anxiety and depression.

The turning point: Stanford Children’s celiac disease experts

Rivers’ road to recovery began at Stanford Medicine Children’s Health. The Stanford Children’s gastroenterology service, which is ranked number eight in the country, according to U.S. News & World Report, is known for its expert celiac team and multidisciplinary care approach to celiac disease—a condition that affects over 1% of children nationwide. Many families travel extensive distances, even from out of state, to access the specialized celiac disease care at the Stanford Medicine Children’s Health Celiac Disease Program.

Hilary Jericho, MD, pediatric gastroenterologist and medical director of the Celiac Disease Program—known for her in-depth celiac disease expertise and compassionate care—first met Rivers through a virtual appointment. Her immediate impression was concerning; despite Rivers’ sweetness, the toll of the condition was evident: Rivers’ vitality was suboptimal.

Once the contact was established with Rivers and her family, Dr. Jericho proceeded with conducting a thorough evaluation, employing Stanford’s holistic care approach to address both physical and emotional well-being. The celiac disease care team analyzed her elevated lab results to identify possible causes, integrating clinical assessments and endoscopic evaluations into a comprehensive diagnosis approach. Additionally, both parents and Rivers’ older sister were genetically tested for celiac disease.

Rivers’ tailored celiac disease management plan went beyond dietary changes, including extensive school support, psychological care, family dietary training, and community resources—such as helping Rivers and her family to connect with other pediatric patients and families at the annual IBD and Celiac Disease Community Day event at Stanford. Shortly after her diagnosis, as she began to recover, Rivers and her family were able to attend this event, which led to an unexpected and strong bond with another girl her age, leaving Rivers feeling more connected and understood.

Celiac disease care at Stanford Children’s: A holistic, insights-based approach

At Stanford Children’s, our Celiac Disease Program brings together doctors, dietitians, social workers, psychologists, and researchers to address both the physical and emotional challenges of living with celiac disease. In our special 90-minute sessions for new patients, young patients and their families, like Rivers’, get to know our dedicated team, learn how widespread gluten is in daily life (even a crumb is enough to trigger celiac disease), and discover what resources they can access throughout their care journey at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford for managing the disease.

Our team is passionate about research that directly helps patients. For instance, innovative intestine research allows for testing reactions without gluten exposure—a pioneering approach unique to Stanford. The insights gathered from this study and others not only help in understanding individual conditions but also inform our personalized care over time.

Our approach integrates advanced research with practical solutions, ensuring exceptional, tailored celiac care. Stanford Medicine Children’s Health’s celiac disease team extends our program’s impact beyond the clinic into the community, closing educational gaps on gluten in the Bay Area schools and hosting monthly gatherings and annual events like the IBD and Celiac Disease Community Day. These events strengthen bonds, providing families with education, support, and shared experiences. “Rivers and the friend she met at our annual IBD and Celiac Disease Community Day were inseparable throughout the entire event, and it was heartwarming to witness,” recalls Dr. Jericho, reflecting on Rivers’ uplifting experience at the 2025 event.

Rivers’ bright future: Embraced by Stanford Children’s community and future outlook

Today, Rivers—a spirited patient in remission—embraces life with renewed energy and health. She spends joyful days playing with friends, her beloved dog Little Rose, and siblings Avie and Haydn, all while dreaming of the farm life she adores. As her family has navigated dietary changes and the challenge of avoiding hidden gluten, they have found support at Stanford Children’s at every step.

Jennifer, her mother, shares how Stanford Children’s has changed their lives for the better: “Rivers and I found out we weren’t alone, and the resources available to us have been life-changing. Learning about gluten sneaking into our food after thinking I was safe for years was surprising. Stanford Children’s celiac care isn’t just about the clinical aspect; it’s wrap-around care and education, and access to a rich celiac disease community.”

Jennifer further expresses gratitude for the profound impact of Stanford Children’s: “Dr. Jericho personifies intelligence mixed with a heart full of compassion. She instilled in Rivers that celiac isn’t the end—it’s a changed way of living. Her guidance, coupled with the support of the dietitian, helped us eliminate hidden contaminants and navigate this journey with hope.”

Stanford Medicine Children’s Health’s dedication to nurturing each child’s physical, emotional, and social wellness inspire trust and gratitude in families like Rivers’. With follow-up care planned thoroughly, including vitamin level checks and interdisciplinary team support, Rivers’ continued progress gives glimpses into a bright future.

Learn more about how Stanford Medicine Children’s Health can impact the lives of children with celiac disease.