Get Your Glow Back - Canadian Celiac Association

Canada’s iconic buildings to be lit up green for Celiac Awareness Month this May

May 2020 – ‘Get Your Glow Back for Celiac Disease’ – #CeliacUnited

May is Celiac Awareness Month in Canada and May 16 is internationally recognized as Celiac Awareness Day. This year major cities across Canada will display green lights to mark the occasion in being #CeliacUnited around the globe.

Led by the Canadian Celiac Association and its chapters, the organization hopes to increase people’s awareness of this life-long autoimmune disease which affects over one per cent of Canadians. Unfortunately only 20 per cent have confirmed a diagnosis. The international building lightings are featured on a special web page here.

Food security is a major issue for people who require gluten free. People who are unemployed, quarantined or unable to leave their homes due to autoimmune concerns are reliant on others for providing food are particularly vulnerable. CCA and its chapters are working to stabilize food supplies especially through food banks and other agencies. Supporting CCA allows us to continue to offer help to those who need it most.

CCA is encouraging people to #GetYourGlowBack and to recognize some of the atypical symptoms of the disease which includes poor bone health, oral and dental manifestations, anemia, reproductive and neurological problems and complications from related autoimmune disorders. Typical symptoms include weight-loss, bloating, severe cramps and diarrhea.

This year CCA is partnering with Promise Gluten Free, and hosting a ‘How Do You Sandwich‘ contest starting May 1, 2020 to celebrate great gluten-free breads and to raise awareness of this genetic disease that has no cure.