<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> Rosalie, Helen, Ann, Aimee, Bill, Dan and others have attempted to rally us to make a difference in labeling, the FDA, exposure, Helen Hunt, Paul Newman, etc. Individually we can make a difference; together, we can make a huge difference. (That's why I keep harping on uniting the various CD groups...) Rosalie Jalbert posted information about Hunt looking for an orphan illness and Newman giving money away. Rosalie suggested that I post my letter to Helen Hunt as a possible guideline for others. I'll send something similar to Newman requesting that he donate money to the U of Maryland study to discover the prevalence of CD in the USA. The more of us there are, the more attention we get. That's what the UofM study will accomplish. Please send emails, postcards or letters to: Helen Hunt and Paul Newman, 20/20 as Dan suggested and other media. Here's my letter to Hunt: Ms. Helen Hunt 9830 Wilshire Blvd Beverly Hills, CA 90212 Re: Sponsorship of Orphan Illness - Celiac Disease Dear Ms. Hunt: Please consider CELIAC DISEASE as your Orphan Illness to sponsor. Currently, Celiac Disease is grossly under-diagnosed in this country at a ratio of 1:2500. In Europe, it's 1:250, which ratio should be reflected in those of us with European heritage. The average time from symptoms to diagnosis is 11 years. In the meantime, sufferers are diagnosed with stress, chronic fatigue syndrome, psychological problems, irritable bowel syndrome, and more. Untreated celiac disease can result in anemia, diabetes, osteoporosis, malnutrition and cancer. My sister contracted the disease in 1977 at age 30 and almost died before they diagnosed her with Celiac Disease. She lost 5" in height and her spine is bent as a result of severe osteoporosis. All three of us sisters have celiac disease. A pamphlet on the disease is enclosed. It's particularly sad to see babies and children with the disease. They look like starving Ethiopians, and, in fact, while eating a healthy diet, they are starving due to malnutrition! There is no cure, but with a strict, limited diet, one can be healed. Our goals are faster diagnosis and better labeling of food products; and ultimately a cure. You could be an incredible help in our effort. Sincerely, ... Enc. {I enclosed a pamphlet from one of the CD groups.}