WEGO Health Awards 2015 Nominee: Gluten-Free Fun

WEGO Health is an amazing website that works with health advocates to foster relationships with their health communities. It's important to remember that I am not only writing for the gluten-free community, but I am also living with Celiac Disease. WEGO Health helps build these communities, while providing the resources I need to be the best celiac advocate that I can be.

For the fourth year, I have been nominated for WEGO Health Activist Awards. I am completely blown away that this year I have be nominated for three separate awards: Health Activist Hero, Best in Show: Blog, and Lifetime Achievement. It is such a wonderful feeling to be recognized by my readers and peers for the advocacy and activities I coordinate within the gluten-free community.

According to the WEGO Health website, "The WEGO Health Activist Awards were created to embody the mission of WEGO Health: to empower Health Activists. We connect with so many inspiring Health Activists who raise awareness, share information, support their communities, and much more - often without recognition. The WEGO Health network is centered around Health Activists, so we knew it was up to us to tell these leaders how great they are! We wanted to celebrate those who have made a difference and thus, the Awards were born. We've since found that these Awards are one of the best ways to introduce new Health Activists to the online community and have community members say "thank you" to the leaders they love."

Click here to visit my WEGO Health page.

The WEGO Health Awards are accepting endorsements until January 31st, 2015 (This Saturday!) If you are a fan of Gluten-Free Fun, Gluten-Free Globetrotter, or the NYC Celiac Meetup Group, I would love if you could visit my nominee page and submit an endorsement. This can be done anonymously or you can include your name in the submission, this is completely up to you. You can also tweet and share to Facebook once you have submitted your endorsement.

I thank you in advance for helping me continue my advocacy with the gluten-free community. I do what I do for you, my readers, and the entire celiac disease community. Without this disease and this website, we wouldn't be connected. Even if you think celiac disease is an awful diagnosis, you are NOT alone. We are all in this together.


https://awards.wegohealth.com/nominees/2061


My 2014 WEGO Health Awards nominations

Best in Show: Blog
Whose blog do you absolutely love? Their writing is exceptional, their "voice" admirable, and their writing is just really worth reading. You think anyone wondering why patients or caregivers would blog about health should read this Health Activist's blog - it will make the case crystal clear. They have great info, raise awareness, and do whatever they can to help their community by using their blog. They may be active on numerous social platforms - but the blog is their bread and butter - and they are a great model of how to be a blogger.

Health Activist Hero
Sometimes the connections we make in online communities go above and beyond, truly changing our lives for the better. Is there a Health Activist you know whose content has opened your eyes, whose dedication has ignited the advocate within you, and whose work has accomplished things for their community members? Which Health Activist is nothing short of a hero to those they reach? They are the epitome of a Health Activist because they do whatever it takes to make a real difference – and they are.

Lifetime Achievement (This is the nomination I am most excited about!) 
Year in and year out we come across some Health Activists who continue to rock the health world. Think of it as the Academy Awards of the Health Activist community. What leader needs to be recognized for their overall achievement over the years? Across mediums, with patients and other leaders, who are the true stars who continue to shine and don’t fit into one category because over time, they have done it all. Perhaps they even started their advocacy before Twitter… gasp! Recognize those giants of Health Activism that have stood the test of time.

https://awards.wegohealth.com/nominees/2061

Don't delay, endorsements end this week! Thank you in advance. 

Exclusive Interview with a Celiac Fundraising Superstar

Alan and I at the 2013 Celiac Gala in NYC

Over the eight years I have been organizing the NYC Celiac Meetup group, I've had the opportunity to meet some really amazing people living with Celiac Disease. These people are everyday New Yorkers with exciting jobs and a passion for raising Celiac awareness. Alan Olshan, the Director of Marketing and Communications for the Paul Taylor Dance Company, is one of those people that I met through our group.

I cannot exactly remember the first time Alan and I met, but I feel like we have been friends forever. Alan comes to each Meetup with a smile and a friendly attitude. Talking hockey and baseball to some members or modern dance and classical music to others. We've shared many delicious gluten-free meals and joked about other flops (tepid rolls, yuck!). He has always leant a friendly ear which is always much appreciated. He introduced me to modern dance and even let me sit in on a prestigious rehearsal of the Paul Taylor Dance Company. He's become a real friend and ally in the NYC Celiac scene.

A few years ago, I started helping Alan with promotion of a Celiac fundraiser he put together with the Paul Taylor Dance Company to raise awareness and funds for the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University. This year marks the 9th year of this fundraiser and I wanted to sit down (via email) to ask Alan some questions about the event, Celiac, and what has changed over the years.

Join Alan and I on Tuesday, March 18th at the 9th Annual Paul Taylor Dance Company fundraiser at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center for a gluten-free cocktail party and stunning performance by the company itself. Click here for more information about purchasing tickets. 

Photo: Laura Halzack in Paul Taylor's Private Domain,
photo by Paul B. Goode.

Interview with Alan Olshan, Director of Marketing and Communications for the Paul Taylor Dance Company

Gluten-Free Fun: What is the Paul Taylor Dance Company?
Alan Olshan: After studying at Syracuse and Juilliard, Paul Taylor began to dance professionally and choreograph in 1954. He is the last living pioneer of modern dance and ranks with the legendary Martha Graham and Merce Cunningham as a principal founder of this American art form. The Company performs Mr. Taylor’s ever-growing collection of dances, which now numbers 140, around the country and throughout the world.


GFF: How did you get involved with the PTDC fundraiser for the Celiac Disease Center at 
AO: In 2004 I asked a friend about creating a fundraiser to benefit the Celiac Disease Center, and Cynthia Beckman at the Center was eager to work with us. Luckily, Dr. Green is a huge fan of dance.


GFF: How many years have you been organizing this fundraiser?
AO: This year marks our ninth effort.


GFF: Why is this cause so important to you? 
AO: I lived for 50 years with Celiac – eating gluten – before I discovered that contrary to what my parents were told when I was a newborn, one does not outgrow Celiac at six. I want to support the CDC’s efforts to identify those with Celiac so they don’t suffer needlessly as I did.


GFF: What is your favorite part about this Celiac Disease Center fundraiser?
AO: I love the cooperation we get from people like Edena at Pala Pizza, and Ceil and George at Foods by George. And of course the Celiac Meetup has been incredibly helpful in spreading the word of the event and building an audience for it.


GFF: How have things changed since you started organizing?
AO: After the one year when we ran out of pizza in five minutes, we now ration the slices so everyone gets some!


GFF: How can people buy tickets?
AO: Folks just call me at 646.214.5821 with a credit card; I seat the Meetup group together. For more expensive tickets, one calls the box office at 212.496.0600.


GFF: What is included in the ticket price? 
AO: Whether the tickets are bought through Meetup or through the box office, the prices include a donation to the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia, admission to the pre-performance light supper including pizza from Pala and dessert from Foods by George, and of course a performance by the Paul Taylor Dance Company at Lincoln Center. I always choose a program that I think the group would especially like, and this year includes a comedy, a very alluring work and Mr. Taylor’s signature dance, Esplanade.

NYC Launch Party for The University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center

I'm really excited to announce this event to my New York City readers! I will definitely be there.

BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

EVR Lounge
54 West 39th Street New York, NY 10018

Friday, October 18, 2013
6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (EDT)

We have celiac disease. We eat gluten-free. But that doesn't mean we don't know how to PARTY! 

You're officially invited to The University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center's debut fundraising bash in NYC!

It's a night you'll want to be part of, and your ticket INCLUDES:

• An hour-long open vodka bar hosted by Devotion Vodka (6-7pm)
• Delicious, hot, gluten-free Margherita pizzas served by world-renowned pizza chef Roberto Caporuscio of Don Antonio's
• Live music by AJ Smith
• Celebrity Host Miss New Jersey Jenna Drew
• A silent auction/raffle with fabulous prizes from the best NYC gluten-free hotspots
• Your favorite gluten-free finger foods

It doesn't matter if you have celiac disease, a gluten intolerance, or have no idea what gluten is. Party among friends and make new ones that share one simple thing: they eat gluten-free or know someone who does!  

Come support your friends or family and the cause in honor of one of the least understood but most widespread (and growing) health problems of our age at the largest gluten-free party in the city.

100% of the proceeds - yes, every single cent raised - goes toward supporting The University of Chicago Celiac Disease Center's awareness and outreach programs. Learn more on the right sidebar and at http://cureceliacdisease.org.

***

MAJOR SPONSORS

EVR Lounge

Devotion Vodka

Don Antonio's

AJ Smith

Jenna Drew, Miss New Jersey

Nora Zelevansky, Author

WithumSmith + Brown

LOCAL SPONSORS

Whole Foods Market

Bistango Ristorante

Rosa Mexicano

Tu-Lu's Gluten-Free Bakery

Palà

Hu Kitchen

Pip's Place Cakery

Babycakes

S'MAC

Sun In Bloom

Be Well With Arielle

Get That Healthy Feeling

***

BUY YOUR TICKETS TODAY!

NYC Celiac Meetup February Newsletter

If you are in the New York City area, I encourage you to join the NYC Celiac Meetup group. I have been leading this group for almost 8 years and we have grown to over 1600 members. Membership is free to join Here is our February newsletter.

Happy February everyone. You asked for it and now our calendar is now jam packed with lots of gluten-free events. I hope to see you at some of these upcoming events. Some events are full, but feel free to put your name on the waiting list to see if a spot opens up. 2/5: Celiac Disease vs. Non Celiac Gluten Sensitivity (GIG-LI event) 2/11: Open House at Pip's Place Gluten-Free Cakery 2/13: The Sharing the Experience of a Gluten-Free Life 2/20: WEBINAR: Sex and The Celiac: A Focus on Reproductive Health 2/23: The Complete Guide to Naturally Gluten-Free Foods Book Launch Party 2/25: Glaze: Gluten-Free Teriyaki 2/27: The Sharing the Experience of a Gluten-Free Life 3/4: 2nd Anniversary of the Kicking 4 Celiac Foundation Dinner 3/8-3/9: Immune Based Inflammatory Diseases 2-Day Symposium 3/12: 8th Annual Evening with the Paul Taylor Dance Company Celiac Benefit Featured Meetup Event: The Sharing the Experience of a Gluten-Free Life Considerable focus is given to the medical and nutritional aspects of gluten-free living but many emotional challenges are also encountered. For example, people often want to share how celiac disease or gluten-intolerance has affected his or her social life, dating, desire for traveling or willingness to negotiate eating out in non GF restaurants. Or, how maintaining a GF diet has affected your family, friends and other important relationships. Others might want to explore what a reasonable level of precaution is when attempting to adhere to a GF diet? Join our conversation with Curtis Brown, LCSW, a psychoanalyst/psychotherapist diagnosed with celiac disease who maintains a gluten-free diet. Two sessions to choose from: February 13 February 27 Featured Fundraiser: 8th Annual Evening with the Paul Taylor Dance Company Celiac Benefit NYC Celiac Meetup co-hosts the 8th Annual Evening with the Paul Taylor Dance Company at the David H. Koch Theater at Lincoln Center on Tuesday, March 12, 2013 at 7pm. The evening begins at 5:45pm with a gluten-free reception. The program: Kith and Kin (music by Mozart), Eventide (music by Vaughan Williams) and Cascade (music by Bach). You may purchase good $29 seats with no additional fees through NYC Celiac Meetup; a portion of each ticket benefits the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University. To purchase, phone Alan Olshan at: 646-214-5821 with a credit card, or mail a check to him by February 14, 2013 once you’ve reserved by phone. There areno refunds or exchanges on these tickets. Looking for Meetup hosts: In order to keep this group fun and exciting, I could really use your help. Many of you have expressed interest in planning and hosting events but unfortunately only a very small handful have stepped up and actually planned anything. Please respond to this email if you are interested in hosting an event. I will be happy to help you make the connections for events, but I need help hosting. I can't be everywhere at once! Thank you and hope to see you soon Erin

The Sharing the Experience of a Gluten-Free Life

On Wednesday, June 27, please join the NYC Celiac Meetup group for a casual round table discussion about living a gluten-free life. Pre-registration is required. 

The Sharing the Experience of a Gluten-Free Life

http://www.meetup.com/Celiac/events/67996282/

Curtis Brown is a psychoanalyst / psychotherapist diagnosed with celiac disease who maintains a gluten-free diet.  He will be facilitating a group discussion on how it feels to be gluten-free in a world of gluten. He believes that, “like it or not we often stand out in the crowd because of our dietary needs. Navigating a safe source of food, learning the ins and outs of the diet, and feeling good about what we eat can be an emotional journey.”

Considerable focus is given to the medical and nutritional aspects of gluten-free living but many emotional challenges are also encountered.   For example, people often want to share how celiac disease or gluten-intolerance has affected his or her social life, dating, desire for traveling or willingness to negotiate eating out in non GF restaurants.  Or, how maintaining a GF diet has affected your family, friends and other important relationships.  Others might want to explore what a reasonable level of precaution is when attempting to adhere to a GF diet? I have heard some wonder if it ever gets easier and, if so, how long does it take.

Brown will lead an open discussion forum for people to gather to share their experiences while hearing of the experiences of others. The group will be open to newly diagnosed or to anyone wishing to share their experience of living gluten-free.

Brown’s website: www.curtisbrownlcsw.com devotes an entire section to the emotional challenges of living a gluten-free life due to celiac or gluten-sensitivity. He has maintained a private psychotherapy practice for close to 20 years. He previously was the director or a hospital-based program which provided support groups allowing him to facilitate well over 500 group sessions. He is a faculty member and supervisor for a post-masters training program in psychoanalyst / psychotherapy.

The cost for attending the group is $10.

The Sharing the Experience of a Gluten-Free Life
Wednesday, June 27, 2012 / 7:00 – 8:00 PM

Click here to register today: http://www.meetup.com/Celiac/events/67996282/