Living with Celiac Disease in Central Illinois

Welcome!!!

Central Illinois Celiacs

   Central Illinois Celiacs is a support group established to provide immediate help for the newly diagnosed patient as well as ongoing help with every celiac’s lifestyle needs. Our meetings supply new product information, recipes, cooking tips, research updates, and—of course—gluten-free food. We help to answer questions for the celiac and his or her family members, and our aim is for fun, food, fellowship, and even friendship. Everyone is welcome!

   Our meetings are held the 4th Tuesday of even-numbered months, February through December. Most meetings are held in a classroom in the lower level of Proctor Professional Building (next to Proctor Hospital). The exceptions are a June picnic (which is held in a park) and a December Christmas party (which is often held in a restaurant or a member’s home).

Heart of Illinois Celiac Kids

Heart of Illinois Celiac Kids is a group dedicated to helping kids with Celiac Disease make Celiac friends and enjoy gluten free events for Celiac kids and their families in Central Illinois.

Celiac Disease

   Celiac disease (also sometimes called gluten enteropathy; formerly called celiac sprue) is an inherited illness for which the genes are present throughout life. The onset of the disease can occur at any age, and the causative factors are unclear. In some adults symptoms can appear after severe emotional stress, pregnancy, surgery, or viral infection. According to research done at the University of Maryland Celiac Research Center, it has been estimated that 1 out of every 133 people in the United States has celiac disease, and the average time from onset of symptoms to diagnosis is 10 years.