<<Disclaimer: Verify this information before applying it to your situation.>> New Organization for CD Research and Education<2> ------------------------------------------------- Friends of Celiac Disease Research, Inc. (FCDR) is a non-profit charitable corporation devoted to assisting people with celiac disease (CD) and dermatitis herpetiformis (DH), primarily by supporting efforts in CD research and education. It is headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. FCDR is working with the University of Maryland Center for Celiac Research to launch a nationwide public service and awareness campaign. Its first collaborative effort to increase awareness of CD is to distribute a public service announcement for television featuring Oakland Raiders Pro Bowl quarterback Rich Gannon and his three-year-old daughter Danielle, who was diagnosed with CD in 1998. FCDR is helping to fund the awareness campaign and paid for the production of the announcement. Gannon is now the national spokesperson for CD. He kicked off the campaign on July 6, 2000 with a press conference at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore FCDR was founded in 1999 by Ellen Mechanic-Schlossmann and Michael Schlossmann. Their son, Benjamin, began experiencing digestive problems shortly after gluten was added to his diet. He was tested extensively for various ailments but his CD was not diagnosed until he was 3-1/2 years old. Proper diagnosis and aid from the local support group have enabled Benjamin to grow into the energetic youth he is today. The absence of CD information, education, and research delayed Benjamin's diagnosis and continues to do the same to others. Through FCDR the Mechanic and Schlossmann families hope to aid in CD education and research, and improve the lives of celiacs. For further information regarding FCDR, including how to become a volunteer, dates of upcoming fundraising events, or how to make a donation, contact: Friends of Celiac Disease, Inc. Ellen Mechanic-Schlossmann, Founder & President Dana Tehako-Esser, Executive Director 8832 North Port Washington Road, #204 Milwaukee, WI 53217 Phone: 414-540-6679 Facsimile: 414-352-1734 E-mail: [log in to unmask]