#CouldItBeCeliac

Our Family’s Celiac Journey: Empowering Kids Through Knowledge

Celiac disease has been part of my story for nearly 16 years. I was diagnosed at age 25, but the journey started long before that. My grandfather was diagnosed first, followed by my mom. Because of our strong family history, my brother, sister, and I were eventually tested and diagnosed as well. Our family’s experience is a powerful reminder that genetics matter and that screening family members can be incredibly important.

Over the years, I’ve experienced many of the challenges—and blessings—that come with living gluten-free. One of the things I have appreciated most has been connecting with the celiac community and learning from others who truly understand the journey.

This past Christmas, our family’s celiac story entered a new chapter.

Our three oldest children—Liam, Caleb, and Amelia—had been experiencing recurring canker sores, stomach aches, and ongoing digestive complaints. Given our family history, we decided it was time to have them tested. While we hoped for another explanation, celiac disease was certainly high on our list of possibilities, and all three children were ultimately diagnosed.

While adjusting to three new diagnoses at once was a big transition, the improvements we’ve seen since adopting a strict gluten-free diet have been remarkable.

After only two weeks gluten-free, Liam looked at me and said, “Wow, my stomach finally feels better. I thought this was just normal.” As a parent, that moment was both eye-opening and motivating. He had simply assumed that discomfort was part of everyday life.

For Amelia, one of the biggest changes has been her appetite. Before diagnosis, she would often take a few bites of food and then lose interest. Since going gluten-free, her appetite has returned, and mealtimes have become much easier and more enjoyable.

Caleb has experienced improvements as well. He’s sleeping better, has fewer digestive complaints, and overall seems happier and more comfortable in his body.

One of the most positive experiences during this transition has been participating in Celiac Canada’s  Kids Teach Kids program. Our children absolutely loved it. The program helped them understand what celiac disease is, why they need to follow a gluten-free diet, and how to confidently navigate situations at school, sports, birthday parties, restaurants, and with friends.

They were especially engaged by a wonderful educational presentation created by Celiac Canada that helped explain celiac disease in a way kids can understand. It sparked great conversations at home and encouraged our children to ask thoughtful questions about what it means to stay gluten-free and keep themselves healthy.

As parents, we know we can’t be with our children every minute of every day. We can’t control every food choice they encounter. What we can do is equip them with knowledge, confidence, and the skills they need to make healthy decisions for themselves.

That is why programs like Kids Teach Kids are so valuable.