Storybook: A Family Living Gluten-Free

                                                  

Meet the Family

The Johnson family all live with Celiac Disease. That means they have to be very careful with the food they eat. But they’ve learned that eating gluten-free doesn’t mean missing out, it means discovering new, safe, and delicious choices together.

Dinner at Home

At the dinner table, Mom, Dad, and the kids all enjoy a healthy, gluten-free meal. There’s grilled chicken, rice, fresh vegetables, and a fruit salad for dessert. Everyone helps set the table and double-checks that everything is safe to eat.

There are a lot of gluten-free options; they just have to read the labels carefully. When they pay attention, they can find safe and delicious foods that make everyone feel included.

Picnic in the Park

On the weekend, the Johnsons packed a picnic basket filled with gluten-free sandwiches, popcorn, apples, and bottled water. At the park, they spread out their blanket, enjoy the sunshine, and play games after their meal.

Together We Are Strong

Living gluten-free is easier when everyone works together. The Johnsons know that kindness, respect, and learning help keep them safe. And most importantly, they’ve discovered that family time is the best ingredient of all.

A Lanier's Storybook ©2025

 “Gluten isn’t only in food; it can also be found in products like perfume, soap, detergent, and even in the air. For people with Celiac Disease, breathing in or touching gluten can cause reactions too. Always be mindful of hidden sources.”

 “Be Mindful: Respect others by choosing safe, gluten-free options and making everyone feel included.”

The Day And Life Of A Celiac

There was a teenager name Max, who was trying to adjust in his new school. Max and his family moved from Detroit to Birmingham Michigan early this summer.

However there is a bully by the name of Dillon that just won't stop harassing him, since the teacher briefly stated to the class that Max has food allergies, environmental Celiac Disease,

 so please be careful when having food around him. Dillon had a blank look on his face, it appears that he doesn't understand the meaning of food allergies or the severity!  

Once it's lunchtime Dillon looks for Max to welcome him with a grilled cheese sandwich, Max frantically backs away, then suddenly Dillon starts chasing Max around the lunchroom with a grilled cheese sandwich, and when he catches up to him, he hits Max right in the face with the grilled cheese sandwich. Dillon thought is was funny! How cruel!

The lunchroom got really quiet as they heard aloud thumb, everyone turned around and saw Max passed out on the lunchroom floor! The teachers ran over to assist Max, while calling 911. Max had to be rushed to the hospital.

The teacher contacted both parents, of course Max's parents rushed right to the hospital. Later that evening while Max's parents and the teachers that assisted him are at the hospital, Dillon and his parents walk in, Dillon jumped back when he saw Max's face because it was covered with rashes and big bumps, they were all over his body! Dillon shouted all over a grilled cheese sandwich? Max shouted back yes! Well duh! The teacher told you about my food allergies.

Dillon profusely started to apologize over and over again! And asked what can he do to make it better for him, so that this never happens again! Max said; I am allergic to wheat and gluten which was in your grilled cheese sandwich.

Footnote: There must be new rules and regulations to enforce how to handle others with severe food allergies.

*Although this is a fictional story, this does and can happen to anyone affected by Celiac Disease and not even realize that is the reason. (the author experienced a similar situation).

Author: Stephanie Lanier

Artist/Illustrator: Lashante Lanier

©2023

Delicate Touch Celiac Support: (3) Delicate Touch Celiac Support Group 

Living with Celiac

 Living with Celiac is not for the weak!

People don't understand how traumatizing, stressful, and hard it could be living with Celiac Disease especially when living with non-Celiac household members. Most times the immediate family is onboard with ensuring you stay healthy, but people that aren't in it with you in the beginning truly have no idea what it takes to be around you. So let's make it easier.

 

There is silent Celiac and Environmental Celiac, what is the difference, both are equally important however with silent Celiac it is not as invasive because you can still have gluten around them, eat whatever you want, touch, even kiss, and hug them and they won't experience any visible reactions whereas with environmental Celiac if they smell the gluten, yes smell it, it could cause an array of symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, skin rashes, for some even breathing problems. Most everyone would prefer to have and be around the silent Celiac however remember over time if it could turn into a more serious condition, so it is best to still be careful. There is refractory Celiac disease as well, which will be discussed at a later time.

1. So making it easier for everyone involved: 
2. Have a designated area to store gluten food items, preferably away from the kitchen.
3. Have an area to eat the foods and without touching anything first, wash your hands and face. 
4. Keep your designated eating area cleaned at all times, crumbs for an environmental Celiac could be deadly.
5. Be mindful if it is an intimate relationship please brush your teeth, it's best to have a certain time to eat your foods, that is why there will be less chances of cross contamination.
6. Allow your loved one the opportunity to provide you with gluten free replacements that way everyone can enjoy each other and not feel left out.

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Author: Stephanie Lanier

Bring Celiac Awareness

What Does Gluten Free Mean

 

What does being gluten-free mean?

Being Gluten-free means keeping away from all gluten, wheat, barley, and oat products whether digesting or for external use.

Certain medical conditions require a gluten-free lifestyle:

• Celiac disease
• This an immune system disorder or an autoimmune disorder that damages your small intestine when you eat even a tiny amount of gluten and triggers immune system activity that damages the small intestine's lining. Over time, this damage prevents the absorption of nutrients from food.
• Gluten sensitivity
  This causes some of the same signs and symptoms associated with celiac disease, including abdominal pain, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, foggy brain, rash, or headache, even though there is no damage to the small intestine tissues. Studies show that the immune system plays a role. This is less evasive than Celiac Disease but if not handled properly it can eventually turn into Celiac Disease.
• Gluten ataxia
  This is an autoimmune disorder in which gluten affects certain nerve tissues, and causes problems with muscle control and voluntary muscle movement.
• Wheat allergy
  Like other food allergies, wheat allergy is the result of the immune system mistaking gluten or some other protein found in wheat as a disease-causing agent, similar to a virus or bacteria. The immune system creates an antibody to the protein, prompting an immune system response that may result in congestion, breathing difficulties, and other symptoms.
• 
  
• However further research from each individual and family that experiences any of these conditions can help us all learn how to handle these conditions better.

• Information retrieved from the Mayo Clinic., 2023
• Revised: Author: Stephanie Lanier

The purpose of Delicate Touch

   

Delicate Touch Celiac Support Group

The purpose of this group is to gather individuals with Celiac Disease and Gluten Intolerance, where we can come together to share our thoughts, ideas, recipes, and more!!!

Pick the gluten-free restaurant(s) in Michigan and let’s meet up for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner!

We are often left out of gatherings because of our allergies to gluten, so our mission is to make everyone affected feel a part of something special!

We will have gluten-free dishes, fun art & talk support groups.

Meetups at Gluten Free restaurants, parks, lakes, and beaches.

Any other ideas are welcome. We will be appointing planners, speakers, and hosts.

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Author: Stephanie Lanier

https://www.facebook.com/groups/768787694043550