<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>>

Many of us take for granted the use of the Celiac internet list serve,
its owners, support group leaders, the medical professionals that DO pay
attention to the needs of undiagnosed and diagnosed Celiac patients, and
the many others that attempt in some way to make life better for
Celiacs.  Too seldom do we think of these actions as being responsible
for saving a life.

I received a call Monday evening that I think should be shared with all
of you.

This lady called to ask what our "Club" was all about.  We began to talk
and she proceeded to tell me her very recent story.

In a nutshell she had been very ill for over 8 years.  Seen eleven (11)
different doctors and - as she got sicker and weaker - was told time
after time that she had a malabsorption problem that was killing her,
but they had no idea why.

About 5 weeks ago she was hospitalized and basically told (once again)
that there was nothing they could do for her.  She was dying, but they
couldn't tell her why.  She asked her husband to let her go home to die.
 She returned home, too weak to move and barely able to speak.  In
desperation her devoted husband began to search the internet for an
answer that the medical professionals could not find for over 8 years.

He looked up malabsorption.  That led him to Celiac Disease.  Searching
further he found the name of the local Celiac support group leader in
their area.  After contacting the leader they were immediately referred
to a GI who was familiar with CD.  She was tested, diagnosed and put on
a gluten-free diet in just a few days.

When she called me she was very much ALIVE and looking forward to
gluten-free dining and travel and life in general.

I have left the names out because I write this without the permission of
our new fellow Celiac.  But I think it's important that once in a while
we recognize the efforts of those who are trying to make a difference.
Each in their own way can contribute to a better quality of life for
Celiacs.  And who knows, maybe you too can save a life.


Bob Levy


P.S.: This new Celiac is already trying to make a difference.  She has
sent packets of information on Celiac Disease to all eleven (11) doctors
who were unable to diagnose her.  Great idea!!