Annella Winger, Grand Forks, letter: People with celiac disease can find support

GRAND FORKS — Thank you, Herald columnist Marilyn Hagerty, for your wonderful column about celiac disease (“Celiacs mobilize in support group to cope with disease,” Page A7, Oct. 24).

Helping people to be aware of this health issue not only will support those who are already diagnosed, but also may lead somebody to recognize their own symptoms and get diagnosed.

The article highlighted Crookston’s support group, but there also is an active support system in Grand Forks. The Red River Celiacs of the North group meets throughout the fall, winter and spring. The schedule of meetings is posted at places around town, including Hugo’s on 32nd Avenue South, Hugo’s in East Grand Forks and Amazing Grains.

The next meeting will be held Saturday, Jan. 22, from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the Ina Mae Rude Entrepreneur Center at the Center for Innovation on UND’s campus. A potluck of gluten-free foods and discussions about issues related to eating gluten-free are highlights of each meeting.

Meetings are open to anybody in the area who is interested in learning about eating gluten-free. Dining out excursions also are planned throughout the year at various restaurants around town that have been supportive of gluten-free dining.

Being diagnosed as celiac can seem overwhelming when one is trying to figure out diet modifications, but traveling this journey with the help of others can ease the stress involved with adopting a gluten-free lifestyle.

Thank you to the many businesses and restaurants who support the local gluten-free population.

Annella Winger

Tags: in the mail, celiac disease, support groups, gluten free, opinion, gluten, health, diet