- BY Cate
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Cate’s Corner will be a monthly series where Cate shares her experiences of growing up with celiac disease and how she manages it as an active college student. Here is the 2nd installment of her story…
For many, a childhood without gluten would be unimaginable.
Children with Celiac Disease – Preparing for Parties
The most popular childhood treats, such as cakes, cupcakes, cookies, brownies, and pizza that mark some of the most memorable moments of adolescence are off limits for children with Celiac. Because I had been diagnosed with Celiac when I was two years old, I never got to experience the joy of getting served pizza and cake for your best friend’s birthday party or the excitement of the bake sale at your elementary school. In many of these moments, I felt miserable watching my friends enjoy something that looked so delicious. Many of my friend’s parents didn’t understand what exactly
In many of these moments, I felt miserable watching my friends enjoy something that looked so delicious. Many of my friend’s parents didn’t understand what exactly being “gluten-free” meant. There were no alternatives offered for me at school functions, sports events, birthday parties or celebrations at that time. Thankfully, now there are so many options for kids in every venue, unlike in the early 2000s. My Mom and Dad took it upon themselves to make sure that no matter where I went, I wouldn’t be stuck without anything to eat. My parents were some of the few who had to educate others about Celiac and make sure I wasn’t left behind. At every back to school night from preschool through grade
My Mom and Dad took it upon themselves to make sure that no matter where I went, I wouldn’t be stuck without anything to eat.
My parents were some of the few who had to educate others about Celiac and make sure I wasn’t left behind. At every back to school night from preschool through grade school, my mom would arrange meetings with all my teachers and communicate to all my friend’s parents how important it was that I would be included. On special occasions, my mom would pack me a gluten-free alternative to the sweets and baked goods that were offered. She would bake a whole batch of 36 gluten-free cupcakes and would pack me just one for a birthday party. Her main objective was to make sure I wouldn’t feel different than everyone else. I am so appreciative of my parents who not only helped me through those tougher years when I didn’t have a voice but also taught me how to be a self-advocate later in life.
