As we begin this season of giving, I am proud to share with you the work that your gifts and support make possible. In our 2016-2017 Annual Report, you can learn about:
- iCureCeliac®, the nation’s only celiac disease patient registry, helping researchers to find new treatments and a cure for celiac disease
- Our Patient Advocacy Program, training patients and caregivers to have a voice in the celiac disease research process
- The CDF Young Investigator Award and other research programs, furthering our understanding of the true burden of celiac disease
Your generous support has also helped fund provider tools and programs to improve the diagnosis rate, patient support tools for diagnosis and treatment, and our efforts in Washington, D.C. and across the country to assure that celiac disease is understood as a serious disease that impacts the lives of millions.
For all of you with celiac disease…for all of you who care for someone with celiac disease…there is hope. While in 2015 there were only five potential therapies, now there are more than 25 therapies in various stages of development. As the parent of a child with celiac disease, I am ecstatic to write that sentence, knowing that one day, soon, the suffering may end.
That is why the 2017 Gift of Hope Challenge Match is critically important. We need you to continue to invest in us, so that we can continue to make the investments that are driving our hope for treatments and a cure. Once again, our Board of Directors is showing their commitment to our mission and to our vision by agreeing to match your gift dollar for dollar.
Thank you for your generous support.
Wishing you a healthy and happy holiday season from our family to yours,
Marilyn G. Geller, Chief Executive Officer