Hi, I’m Roberto. Though I don’t have Celiac disease, this is my story.

The reality of the situation is simple: you are not alone. Every day, millions of Americans are suffering from the same diseases as you, even if we’re not always thinking about it. The first step to any sort of policy or community change is awareness – a mission I am proud to share with Celiac Aware, an organization that works tirelessly to increase awareness of Celiac disease & gastrointestinal issues, as well as other organizations like the Celiac Disease Foundation & Beyond Celiac. As a rare disease advocate, I’ve come to understand the power of raising awareness. It’s not just about the individuals directly affected; it’s about the collective strength of a community that can drive change. While each rare disease presents unique challenges, there’s a common thread that binds us together—the struggle for understanding, resources, and support.

In my experience, the most common of these challenges with Celiac has been making drastic lifestyle and diet changes for patients with Celiac, IBD, or Crohn’s Disease. These issues cannot be solved overnight, but they can be addressed with careful attention from advocacy organizations much like this and patients much like you.