Many of my friends here know that my sister, Joelle, suffers from Celiac disease. If I remember correctly, Cotto from VV was also diagnosed with it. My sister's pic.
In a nutshell, my sister cannot eat ANYTHING with wheat in it (that includes anything with modified food starch in it – which is just about everything). Imagine never having a piece of cake, pizza, etc. In Joelle’s severe case, eating something with hidden wheat in it causes acute pain, hives, and allergic reactions, and could cause her death.
Not many people know, or even understand exactly what the disease entails. Here’s a brief summary from http://www.celiac.org:
Celiac is a lifelong digestive disorder that results in damage to the small intestine by interfering with the absorption of necessary nutrients (proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, and, in some cases, water and bile salts).
“Celiac isn’t like a peanut allergy, where if you ingest a peanut, you will go into shock, and your life is threatened immediately. With Celiac, it’s a long-term process that is still life-threatening. It makes you susceptible to cancer, osteoporosis, miscarriage, infertility, chronic anemia – diseases that affect you for the rest of your life.”
For a Celiac FAQ check out: http://celiaccenter.org/facts.asp
Because she was diagnosed a bit late, her small intestine was severely damaged. Due to the intestinal damage, she then became allergic to more than 20 foods (on top of wheat), including melons, multiple fruits, cheese, nuts, and chocolate. She “loses” foods quite often.
Many people may not understand how difficult she has it. Her Celiac has also caused a condition called dermatitis herptiformis, which causes hives and skin rashes. Wheat gluton hides in common items, including medications (Aspirin), make-up, hairspray, shampoo, and envelope glue (she can’t lick a stamp either).
At one point, I was experiencing symptoms of the disease, and had to undergo testing. For one week I lived like my sister – and I was miserable.
I have been given the opportunity to take place in the International Walk for Celiac, to raise money for research into finding treatments and the cause of the disease. My sister, mother, and I will be walking together on June 12 (the day before her 28th birthday). It means the world to her that I’m supporting her cause, and she means the world to me.
Now my point: I have pledged to raise a small amount of money for this cause. I am asking my friends at VeeshanVault for help. Any contribution would be greatly appreciated by my family and I.
To contribute online (it’s secure): https://www.kintera.org/faf/donorReg/do ... d=44499963
Please do not feel obligated to contribute financially.
Here is a short video (around 9 minutes) if you would like to know more about the disease: http://www.msnbc.com/m/c/ctv_emailthis. ... l=&0mw=x92
Thank you.
