Celiacs Unite!

Since my diagnosis in 2014, I have been wanting to connect with other local Celiacs.  Shortly after my diagnosis I had searched the internet for a local support group, but I didn't find anything.  I wasn't sure where to look or who to ask. 

This past year I have been fortunate enough to connect with some amazing people in the local gluten free community.  People such as Mike and Brenda Orlando from Gud n Free (as you'll recall from an earlier post, in which I reviewed their new restaurant, two of their three young daughters have been diagnosed with Celiac Disease and they are a gluten free family).  I've also been fortunate to meet Tina Meseck from Better For You Bakery (I also reviewed Tina's new gluten free mixes which are available for purchase through her website www.betterforyoubakery.net).  Through the local Farmers Market I have met and have had several good and informative conversations with Alafia and Marije Wright, makers of wonderful skin care products under their original label of God's Green Earth.  Keep an eye out for a review of their products, coming soon!

This afternoon, my husband, Dave, asked me if I'd want to dine at Gud n Free tonight.  Having been sick for the past week (regular sick, not food/gluten related), it has been a couple of weeks since I've eaten there, so I jumped at that offer!!  On a side note, when we got there, Mike had noticed that I hadn't been in for awhile.  They'd been wondering if everything was ok or if something was wrong.  Now, how much of a personal, caring touch is that?!  More evidence that these people truly care about their patrons as people and not just dollars coming in.  They are there to serve and meet a very specific need and they care about the people they serve! 

Okay, back to the reason for my post - when we were finishing our meal, a group of people began arriving.  It didn't take me long to find out that this group was the Siouxland Celiac Support Group (no relation to this blog, my Facebook page or Instagram profile) led by nutritionist, Corrinna from the Sioux City Hamilton Blvd Hy-Vee Food Store.  Dave, knowing that I wanted to stay from the moment I found out who the group was, agreed to stick around so that I could participate.  While the group members were filing in and placing their orders, I excused myself to use the restroom before everything got started.  Dave spoke to the group leader and told her a little bit about me and that I would like to stay and join in with their group.  When I came out, I introduced myself to Corrinna and everyone got settled in for the meeting.

It was great to meet with not only other local Celiacs, but also some with other gluten related issues.  The meeting was very informative and we enjoyed good discussion and planned for the next meeting in November.  I'm very excited to get to know these fellow Celiacs and their spouses.  I'm normally not the kind of person who does well in a group of people that I don't know.  I get kind of shy, quiet and tend to be more of an observer than an active particpant.  I felt no trepidation at all tonight with these wonderful people.  I was comfortable and felt like I was among friends.  These people know what I'm living with and going through because they're living it, too.  Finally - my PEOPLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

*Meetings held the third Thursday of each month (unless it is a holiday) at the Hamilton Blvd Hy-Vee Food Store (2827 Hamilton Blvd) in Sioux City, Iowa from 6:30 pm - 7:30 pm.  The next meeting will be November 17, 2016.  For more information visit the Hamilton Blvd page at  https://www.hy-vee.com/stores/dietitian/