Participants in the Sketchers Los Angeles Marathon for CDF Team Gluten-Free will not only run the marathon, bit raise money for the Celiac Disease Foundation. The mission of CDF is driving diagnosis, treatment, and a cure to improve the quality of life for all people affected by celiac disease and non-celiac gluten/wheat sensitivity. 

Celiac disease is a serious autoimmune disorder that can occur in genetically predisposed people where the ingestion of gluten leads to damage in the small intestine. It is estimated to affect 1 in 100 people worldwide. Two and one-half million Americans are undiagnosed and are at risk for long-term health complications. This is alarming given that studies show the later the age of diagnosis, the greater the chance of developing another autoimmune disorder, like type 1 diabetes, thyroid disease, and multiple sclerosis (MS). Furthermore, undiagnosed patients or those who do not maintain a strict gluten-free diet can develop additional serious health conditions including heart disease, anemia, osteoporosis, infertility, epilepsy, migraines, and in some cases, intestinal cancer.

Since its founding in 1990, Celiac Disease Foundation has funded and executed national initiatives in three principal areas to bring an end to the suffering caused by celiac disease: medical research, patient and healthcare provider education, and public policy advocacy. The money raised by LA Marthon Team Gluten-Free participants funds these programs and more. Thank you for helping us to create a world without celiac disease.