News & Research
Celiac Disease Health Fair
presented by
CDF Chapter Chesapeake Tidewater Celiacs was a big success!
The generous grant provided by Prometheus Labs and The Binding Site served as a catalyst to screen 100 individuals from Virginia and North Carolina. The knowledgeable staff of the Lifestyle Center, directed by Beth Reitz, under the auspices of Chesapeake Regional Medical Center, co-hosted the Celiac Health Fair on 9/27/07, with Chesapeake Tidewater Celiacs, a chapter of Celiac Disease Foundation (CDF). Silver level sponsorship by Gastroenterology Associates of Tidewater (GAT), and PureFit Inc. assisted the local CDF group, empowering them to reach out to their community. Presentations by Dr. Walid Makdisi, M.D explained the disease and the importance of accurate diagnosis, and Carrie Palamarchuck, Registered Dietitian provided nutritional expertise regarding this common autoimmune disease.
An estimated 300 guests increased their understanding of Celiac Disease and 100 people were tested for the disorder. Vendors supporting this event include: Enjoy Life, Ener-G, Foods Alive and Heartland’s Finest. The generous provision of Gluten-Free foods delighted the fair participants. Pamela’s Products donated gifts for raffling, and their delicious line of foods was well represented. Joyce Mallwitz, a HomeMade Gourmet distributor, demonstrated the advantage of prepackaged, Gluten-Free seasonings and meal plans. An informal poll selected the delicious bread and cakes provided by Mr. Ritt’s Gluten-Free Bakery as the “Best of the Fair”. The Heritage and Organic Food Depot both expressed gratitude for the opportunity to display their fine line of products. Many of the celiacs present had never attended an event where everything provided was Gluten-Free!
Shannon Gormley, Dietitian for FarmFresh Grocery commented on the advantage of shopping at FarmFresh, due to the ease of finding Gluten-Free items in their Natural Connections area. Farm Fresh grocers generously contributed Delicatessen food for the event. Additional gifts and donations from Kroger, Barnes and Noble, Gluten Free Works, Carrabba’s Italian Grill, TAP Pharmaceuticals, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, and Sentarus created a festive atmosphere for the evening event.
Chesapeake Tidewater Celiacs meets monthly. Details available at www.celiac.org, or phone 757-672-3681.
