http://www.mondaysceliac.com

Monday: Hello Lisa, I understand you are starting a new website dedicated to Celiac Disease and the gluten-free diet called GlutenFreeFind.com. Please tell us a little bit about yourself and your new website.

Lisa: Hello Monday, thank you for the opportunity to share information about GlutenFreeFind.com with you and your online community. I was diagnosed with Celiac Disease (CD) as a toddler. Growing up in Toronto, there were very few businesses that offered gluten-free products. It wasn’t until the late 90’s that gluten-free businesses began to sprout and awareness of the gluten-free diet became understood by the general public. As this transpired, I thought it would be helpful to have a resource where you could find everything you need that is gluten-free in one place. After receiving positive feedback about the concept, I decided to develop GlutenFreeFind.com, which is a resource for people on a gluten-free diet (not just for those with CD). There are Canadian and US businesses advertised on the website. It is not limited to restaurants, unlike other food intolerance sites. This sets it apart from other websites, making it the first of its kind in that regard.

Monday: How were you able to be diagnosed at such a young age and what was it like growing up on the gluten-free diet?

Lisa: I was diagnosed with CD as a toddler – once I started to eat bread I became very ill. I presented as severely underweight, malnourished and weak. It took months of testing and monitoring in hospital before any specialist could determine what I had was food-related. Once formally diagnosed with CD and put on a gluten-free diet, I gained weight and got well. Since I have been on a gluten-free diet all of my life, I really don’t have any comparison to make. As a child, I was fairly happy with what I had. It was mainly difficult at social events, such as birthday parties or school bake sales – I wished I could sample what others were eating. However, I settled for cheese and icing! When gluten-free options became more available, I was amazed at what I had been missing out on for so many years (I’m still amazed).

Monday: What were your major health challenges related to having Celiac Disease?

Lisa: I was diagnosed with osteopenia as a young adult, which then progressed to osteoporosis. That likely happened due to intestinal villi damage from CD. A lot of people couldn’t believe such a diagnosis, as it is common among the elderly. At the time, my doctor advised that those with CD should have regular bone mineral density tests. I was lucky enough to reverse the bone loss. I have also struggled with chronic pain, headaches and ongoing vitamin deficiencies, including iron and B-12. Of course we can’t forget the classic “tummy troubles” associated with CD.

Monday: What inspired you to start an online resource for those who are on the gluten-free diet?

Lisa: It was an idea that always sat at the back of my mind. I know it can be frustrating for people who are gluten intolerant to search endlessly online and gather information about what’s out there. A close friend of mine started a Toronto and Montreal list of resources for her child who is on a gluten-free diet. They live in Toronto, but visit family in Montreal frequently. When she told me about her child’s list and how much time went into creating it, I thought about how truly important it is to have this ‘one stop shop’ website to visit, rather than wasting precious time researching what is available from city to city. It’s about accessibility.

Monday: What are your goals for the website and how is your website different from other online resources?

Lisa: As previously mentioned, the main goal of the site is to help people on a gluten-free diet find exactly what they are looking for, all in one place. It is not limited to restaurants like other sites. This is what makes GlutenFreeFind.com different from other websites. Also, the site is clean and simple. The home page is not bombarded with advertising. The site is very user friendly and easily navigated.

Monday: When will your new site be online and where can people get more information about you and your new site?

Lisa: GlutenFreeFind.com is scheduled to launch this Fall. There is a facebook page that provides more information: http://www.facebook.com/CA.Gluten.Free.Find#!/CA.Gluten.Free.Find

Monday: Thank you Lisa for being my guest today and helping spread the word about Celiac Disease and the gluten-free diet. We all look forward to visiting your new site soon.

Lisa: Thank you for the opportunity to share information about GlutenFreeFind.com. I hope the site will be a helpful resource to anyone living a gluten-free lifestyle!