This year, our instructor Heather Ding is proud to be an integral part of the Celiac Disease Foundation’s signature fundraising event, the 2020 Virtual Turkey Trot! “I am making a commitment to raise funds to directly support celiac disease research because I have been living with this disease since 2006 and I truly feel that there will be a cure! Celiac disease is a genetic autoimmune disorder where the ingestion of gluten leads to serious damage of the small intestine. Celiac disease affects 1 in 100 people worldwide, and 2.5 million Americans are undiagnosed, putting them at-risk for long-term health complications, including intestinal cancers, osteoporosis, Type 1 diabetes, epilepsy, and infertility and miscarriage. Currently, the ONLY treatment for celiac disease is to follow a strict gluten-free diet, and studies show that up to 50% of people on a gluten-free diet continue to experience symptoms and have intestinal damage, confirming the need for additional treatments and a cure. I am proud to be participating in the 2020 CDF Turkey Trot to raise funds for the Celiac Disease Foundation, the nation’s leading voluntary health organization for celiac disease. Through a comprehensive program of research, education, advocacy, and support, the foundation drives diagnosis, treatments, and a cure to improve the quality of life for all those affected by celiac disease. It is because I remain hopeful that together we can improve the health and quality of life for people with celiac disease, like myself, I ask you to join me in supporting the Celiac Disease Foundation. My personal goal is to raise $1000.00. I know times are rough for everyone right now, but it is so important for me to continue this fight for a cure and for more education to be available to the public.” |
Help Heather Ding reach her goal by donating below! |
Still interested in joining the Virtual Turkey Trot? Sign up here: |