First Annual Fundraiser for the Celiac Program at Children’s National Medical Center:
The Celiac Disease Program at Children’s National Medical Center is the first Celiac disease program for children in the Washington metro area. The goal of the program is to attack this disease comprehensively and aggressively through improved diagnosis, treatment and awareness. We are happy to announce our first fundraiser for the program will be held on May 1, 2010. The purpose of the event is to raise funds to employ a psychiatrist or psychologist for three years. As adults, we know how hard it is to make a lifestyle change. For a child or adolescent, a lifestyle change can be much more difficult because of peer issues, feelings of isolation or fear of being “different”, for example. Our program aims to give children the tools of self-empowerment to address their needs: dietary and socially as well as emotionally. A lifestyle change requires more than just physical adjustments; the mind must be included as well for a successful outcome. Children’s National’s Celiac Disease Program would be the first of its kind in the nation to have a dedicated mental health professional helping young patients adjust to life with Celiac Disease through self-advocacy.
Help us make a difference. For more information, please contact Diana Della Villa at Children’s Hospital Foundation – 301-565-4951.
Event Details:
Who: YOU!
What: Fundraiser for the Celiac Disease Program at Children’s National Medical Center
When: Saturday, May 1, 2010; 6:30 pm
Where: Children’s Design House in Chevy Chase, MD
Why: Raising funds to employ a psychologist/psychiatrist to help children with the adjustment to living with Celiac Disease
Ticket Price: $250
Celiac Fast Facts:
*1:100 people have Celiac Disease
*Most people do not receive the correct diagnosis of Celiac Disease until their 40s or 50s.
*Americans spend an average of 9-11 years traveling from doctor to doctor seeking help before their diagnosis.
*Celiac Disease is now recognized as one of the most important diseases of the 21st century.