Beyond Celiac

Vision Statement

A world in which people with celiac disease can live healthy lives, free from social stigma and fear of gluten exposure – A world Beyond Celiac.

Mission Statement

Beyond Celiac unites with patients and partners to drive diagnosis, advance research and accelerate the discovery of new treatments and a cure.

Potential Impact for Autoimmune Diseases

Finding treatment options and ultimately curing celiac disease will advance research for other autoimmune diseases.

The Future of Celiac Disease

• Celiac disease is widely recognized as a serious, common, genetic autoimmune disease
• People with celiac disease symptoms, and family members who are genetically at risk, are highly motivated to seek testing and diagnosis from medical professionals
• Medical professionals readily identify symptoms and provide timely and comprehensive diagnosis so that people no longer have to suffer with known and unknown symptoms and hidden consequences of celiac disease
• Medical care treatments are readily available that ensure there are no negative health or lifestyle consequences of being diagnosed with celiac disease
• Insurers, including governments, recognize the benefit of medically treating and, eventually, curing celiac disease and provide coverage to make effective medical treatment affordable for everyone
• Access to appropriate medical care and the standard of care that people diagnosed with celiac disease receive is consistent regardless of geography, social or economic boundaries
• People with celiac disease are receptive to taking new treatments and living a “normal” life, free from the fear of food
• Curing celiac disease provides a gateway to curing other autoimmune diseases
• Beyond Celiac is the recognized conduit for education, exchange of information and partnerships between key stakeholders: patients, scientists and researchers, medical providers, pharmaceutical, diagnostic and biotech companies, and payers

Headquartered in Ambler PA, Beyond Celiac is a 501c3 nonprofit organization with a national and increasingly international constituency reached through direct programming and a robust online presence and a comprehensive social media program. Beyond Celiac is known for its excellent and timely education and research initiatives, coupled with strategic partnerships and powerful collaborations.  

WHAT IS CELIAC DISEASE?

Celiac disease is a serious genetic autoimmune disease. It is triggered by consuming a protein called gluten, which is found in wheat, barley and rye. When people with celiac disease eat foods containing gluten, their immune system responds by damaging the finger-like villi of the small intestine. When the villi become damaged, the body is unable to absorb nutrients into the bloodstream, which can lead to malnourishment.

Left untreated, people with celiac disease are at-risk for serious health consequences, like other autoimmune diseases, osteoporosis, thyroid disease, and even certain cancers.