Community4Celiac is a Woodbury-based charity which aims to increase awareness about Celiac Disease. The nonprofit was formed this year to raise awareness for the condition.
Marci Launer, an adult Celiac patient, and Staci Leibson, a parent of a pediatric celiac patient, came together to form the nonprofit. Launer and Leibson witnessed first-hand how little information is available to celiac patients.
Research and treatments are not readily available to patients, and many remain unaware of the challenges that the disease poses. Community4Celiac hopes to recognize the “1 in 100” Americans who suffer from the disease and raise awareness of the condition.
Co-founder Staci Leibson said “For most people, Celiac disease can take years to diagnose and 1 in 5 people suffer for years never receiving a diagnosis. It is sadly misunderstood.”
To combat the difficulties of the disease, Community4Celiac hosted its first-ever Family Fun Day on May 18. The event was held from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Driftwood Day Camp in Melville.
“Our goal was not only to raise money for the cause we are most passionate about, but to form a community,” said Launer and Leibson.
The event raised over $55,000. All money fundraised at the event will benefit celiac research at Cohen’s Children’s Medical Center.
Leibson is familiar with the medical center from when her son, Jude, received his diagnosis.
“When Jude was first showing signs of digestive problems, we were lucky that we knew to turn to Cohen’s Children’s Hospital at Northwell Health for diagnosis and care,” said Leibson.
“Here at Cohen’s we do everything we can to educate, treat and support these children and their families while conducting scientific and clinical research to improve care and find a cure. We are grateful for the efforts of Staci and Marci to support our work.” said Dr. Joel Rosh, Chief in the Division of Pediatric Gastroenterology.
The Family Fun Day was presented by lead sponsor Concierge Pediatrics and was hosted with activity supervision by Playground Athletics. All attendees received donated gift bags by Haute Shore Handbags & Accessories, filled with information cards and gluten free products.
There were also raffles, which included prizes such as gift cards, concert and sporting event tickets and private dinner reservations.
“Community4Celiac is for those living with Celiac Disease and other gastrointestinal diseases. It is a community where you can always lean on for support,” said Launer and Leibson.
The founders continued: “We were able not only bring new and old friends together, but we were able to provide them with a safe 100% gluten free and nut free space where they can experience activities, fun, free food samples, food vendors and more.”
The event featured free and supervised events such as a color run, flying trapeze lessons, arts and crafts, etc. There was also a vendor promenade featuring gluten free food products.
Matt Martin from the New York Islanders attended the event and signed autographs.
Northwell Health professionals and Celiac Specialists Drs. Ying Liu and Alan Lipp were at the event to provide information and answer any questions that attendees had about the disease.
Launer and Leibson look forward to their next Family Fun Day in 2025 and look forward to continuing the foundation’s mission.
For anyone interested in more information, please visit www.community4celiac.com.
