Dana's Letter

Dear Paige,


You were the cutest baby.  Blonde curls, fair skin, and you were very small with a "Big Buddha Belly".  So when your nose and eyes were always running and you were crying a lot we would feed you because that is usually what babies want when they are so upset.  We would feed you everything!!  Little did any of our family know at the time that what we were giving you to eat was hurting you. 


Once your parents got your Celiac diagnosis everyone had to become educated on not only what you could and could not eat but also how your food needed to be cooked in separate pots and pans, and how our homes had to be sanitized when you came to visit because even having tiny crumbs around could make you sick.


Through your journey, I have been informed and educated about Celiac. I had no idea that there were so many foods you could not eat.  I remember always reading the labels and checking with your mom before I gave you anything.  Then as you got older I was able to ask you.  Once I found out all of the restaurants you could eat at, especially Dairy Queen, I was amazed and so happy you could enjoy your life.
I am so proud of you. Now you are taking your life and educating others and continuing to inspire and educate me. You are such an inspiration and have so much more to share.  


I love you,
Dana

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