I was diagnosed with celiac disease in March of 2016. At the time I was juggling a busy schedule. I was a month away from college graduation, studying for finals, completing an internship in addition to working in a lab, preparing for my dance ensemble’s summer dance tour, and interviewing for jobs across the country. I remember walking to a dance class when the gastroenterologist called to discuss the results of my blood test. I was shocked to hear that I had celiac disease. I cried in class when I realized that cupcakes were my own personal poison. Shortly after my diagnoses, and the day before leaving for my final college dance tour, I broke my foot during our final dance rehearsal. My body was weak as a result of celiac disease. Even my bones had been affected and now I couldn’t even dance. Celiac disease affected my life more than I knew was possible.
After graduating, I moved across the country to North Carolina. I was blessed to live next to a beautiful, large park with running trails. This is where I taught myself how to run. Since then I have enjoyed developing this new hobby and participating in events with my college friends.
Fortunately I have a bachelor’s degree in food science and a job where I work each day to develop products that are gluten free. I am grateful for food scientists who have developed gluten free products that taste great and make living with celiac disease feel possible. I'm especially thankful for gluten free cupcakes!
I am running the NYC marathon for people like me. We can live happy, normal, gluten free lives and still eat great tasting food even though we have celiac disease. We can even run marathons!
