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Tuesday, January 23, 2018

Tuesdays with TLC

Hi, Friends!

Happy Tuesday!

So, our weekend didn't quite go as planned. Sweet Little Leighton was sick, sick, sick on Saturday night. I still today cannot decide what exactly happened. I honestly believe it has something to do with her Celiac Disease. My "Mom Gut" is telling me it wasn't just a tummy bug. We are so diligent about everything she consumes or even comes in contact with, so, as you can imagine, this has caused me quite a bit of anxiety. Celiac Disease is such a misunderstood and misdiagnosed disease. I have prayed and prayed about what I can do to help advocate and educate. I'm still trying to figure out specifically what that means, but I believe that I can find something to do to help promote awareness, specifically within the schools. It's hard enough as it is to just be a kid, but to be a kid with any kind of difference is extra tough. I want LL to know I will always be her biggest cheerleader!

Y'all. I could go on and on about this. And I might. In fact, I might start a new series here today! Tuesdays with TLC! Within this series, I will share something about Celiac Disease. Today, I'll start by sharing a few "fast facts" from Beyond Celiac (an amazing organization promoting awareness, advocacy and ACTION).

But, first, what exactly is Celiac Disease? Celiac Disease is a serious, genetic autoimmune disease. It is the only autoimmune disease with a known trigger: gluten. Gluten is the protein found in wheat, rye and barley. When a person with Celiac eats gluten, the protein interferes with the absorption of nutrients from food by damaging a part of the small intestine called villi. Damaged villi make it virtually impossible for the body to absorb nutrients into the bloodstream, leading to malnourishment and a host of other problems including some cancers, thyroid disease, osteoporosis, infertility and the onset of other autoimmune diseases.

Did you know...?

1 in 133 people in the United States have Celiac Disease. That's approximately 3 million people.

83% of the people with Celiac Disease are undiagnosed.

A 100% gluten-free diet is the ONLY existing treatment for Celiac Disease today. There are no pharmaceutical treatments or cures.

I know before LL's diagnosis, I knew very, very little about Celiac Disease. It is now my mission to help people understand. We are never looking for pity. This is simply our life. LL's diagnosis, especially at the very young age of two, has been a blessing. I genuinely believe that, and I try every day to help LL feel that way, too.

Stay tuned for the next installment, y'all! And, in the meantime, here is a picture of My Sweet Girls.


Who doesn't love a "tea and pancake party?"

Have a delightful day!

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