This year I am organizing this fundraiser for my birthday because I was diagnosed with celiac disease in December 2020.

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease currently without a cure. The only way to keep the disease at bay is by sticking to a very strict gluten-free diet.

The disease often causes symptoms like stomachaches, chronic diarrhea, constipation, cramps, skin rashes, depression, anxiety, irritability, migraines, among many others. There are 300 recognized symptoms. These symptoms can last for up to 3 months after ingesting any quantity of gluten.

Recovery after the diagnosis on average takes between 6 months to 1 year. Sometimes longer. In my case, I was diagnosed more than 6 months ago and still didn't recover completely. However, I do notice the difference.

Sticking to a strict gluten-free diet might sound simple. However, it isn't because strict means that traces of gluten are also not allowed. Unfortunately, traces of gluten are everywhere. Even in gluten-free meals served in restaurants that prepare them in the same place as gluten-full meals. This makes it very difficult to eat out at friends or restaurants or travel somewhere without the constant worry of ingesting some invisible trace of gluten.

This fundraiser is meant to raise money for celiac disease research. There is research for developing vaccines, pills and also to help prevent the disease in children. I already contribute with €50 per month but it isn't enough. Therefore, I would like to ask for your help. The money will be donated to one of the European celiac disease associations, most probably the Dutch one.

If you want to know more about this disease read this.