Thank you to Coeliac NZ member, and volunteer in Whakatane Fiona Hennessey for sharing her lived experience with coeliac disease.

"Being diagnosed late in life as a coeliac is challenging enough, without it being in the middle of pandemic food shortages; then try going to work events! I have had some great experiences where the catering options have been individualised paper bag lunches  with yummy coeliac options and team days and Christmas events where you manage the shopping to cater for your needs and no one knows any different , to catered events where all the "allergies" were treated to a pre-cut fruit platter and vegan meals, or worse, not catered and you watch your colleagues eat beautiful moist chocolate mud cake at an office farewell. We have enough restrictions on what we can eat without caterers deciding that we can eat vegetarian and/or vegan as well - to the point that when asked, I clearly state that I am coeliac, that is, medically required to be gluten free, but can eat meat, dairy, eggs, NOT vegetarian or vegan. And just in case, I always carry food whether snacks or more substantial leftovers depending on the location and activity for the day." says Fiona

Moral of the story: Do what you can as clearly as you can, but always be prepared for the worst (mentally and physically)

Want to share your story for Coeliac Awareness Week? 

Here's how your voice can help...

Promote empowerment and combat stigma

• By sharing your story, you contribute to breaking down stereotypes and promoting understanding.

Helping others to build a brighter gluten-free community

• Sharing your experiences can be a powerful way to help others. When you share, you provide insights, encouragement, and hope to those going through similar situations.

Challenge negative judgments and discrimination

• When you share your story, you challenge negative judgments and misconceptions about the challenges of living with a lifelong health condition.
• Your openness can inspire empathy and change people’s perspectives about coeliac disease.

Personal growth

• Sharing your lived experience can be healing and can allow you to process your emotions and reflect on your journey.
• It also encourages self-acceptance and resilience.

Please email admin@coeliac.org.nz if you are willing to share your story.