Celiac Education Day 2018 Recap

On Sunday, March 25, patients of the Center for Celiac Disease at Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) and their families attended the annual Celiac Education Day. A total of 275 attendees came to the event for evidence-based lectures from industry-leading experts within the field and for fun activities dedicated for children. Families were educated about the clinical implications of celiac disease, the importance of adhering to a gluten-free diet, and the future of therapeutic treatments.

Parents learned more about celiac disease and associated conditions, coping strategies, non-celiac gluten sensitivity, gluten-free flour options and packed lunch ideas. Vendors, including gluten-free-bakeries, summer camps, and other gluten-free products, provided additional resources for families.

Children were provided the opportunity to attend interactive age-specific sessions and participated in “learn through play” with CHOP child life specialists. Kids also participated in gluten-free jeopardy, poster making and “create your own recipe book” activities. 

Also during the event, celiac patient Samantha Traister presented Dr. Ritu Verma with a check for $2,000 from a fundraiser she hosted as part of her mitzvah project.

For 13 years, the Celiac Center has provided children and caregivers with this one-day, state-of-the-art multidisciplinary education program. The annual Celiac Education Day supports the Center’s mission to promote community awareness.