Acknowledgements:
Advisor: Stephanie K. Dillingham Gold Award Advisor: Martha Daly Troop Leader: Heather Daroczi Peer reviewers: Sofia Vasquez-Perez, Rebecca Kunze, Anna Aganina, Claire Delay Illustrators: Holly Templeton
Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disorder that can affect people of all ages, backgrounds, and genders. For this condition, consuming gluten causes an immune response that damages the lining of the small intestine known as the villi. This can cause malabsorption of nutrients as well as a wide range of digestive symptoms. The list of symptoms is long, and some common side effects include anemia, skin rashes, infertility, reduced bone-density, and even psychological disorders. Beyond its physical impacts, celiac disease has a quieter, more invisible side: the social and emotional toll it takes on daily life. Dining out, travelling, or even hanging out with friends becomes significantly more isolating. Explaining your needs and constantly asking questions can feel repetitive and tiresome. And still, many people have never even heard of the disease.
This disease only affects about one percent of the population, yet only about 83% of the estimated 1% of people with celiac disease remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. This is largely due to the lack of education, discussion, and awareness. Most people are not aware that gluten–the trigger for celiac–is found not only in pasta and bread but also hidden in sauces, spices, and flavorings. Being on a gluten-free diet is exhausting, and while for some people being gluten-free can be a trendy lifestyle choice, people with celiac must follow the diet strictly for the rest of their lives.
The Gold Award is the highest recognition that a Girl Scout can receive. It is designed as a “take-action” project in which a Girl Scout identifies a problem with a related community in need and then solves that problem with a sustainable action. As invisible grains is part of a Gold Award project, its impact and sustainability must be measured. Please take a second to fill out my feedback form to help me determine how the book affected you!
If you have celiac disease, I am interested in learning whether or not these stories resonated with you or reflected your personal experience. For those of you who are learning about celiac disease, I’m curious to see how this book has educated you and if it will change any of your future actions. For different people, this book has the ability to serve different purposes.
Advisor: Stephanie K. Dillingham Gold Award Advisor: Martha Daly Troop Leader: Heather Daroczi Peer reviewers: Sofia Vasquez-Perez, Rebecca Kunze, Anna Aganina, Claire Delay Illustrators: Holly Templeton