I just am interested in what people are looking for when they go to a support group. If you wouldn't mind just giving me a brief "tidbit" of info on your needs, that would be greatly appreciated! Thanks

Kassandra <3

I first went to our local group to get my Mom to go because I didn't expect to get much out of it. Why I keep going is the information I get about products, new medical studies, info about what the government is doing, info about conventions and so forth. We get free samples of gluten free cake from a local cake chef (my office crew got me one for my BD this year). We get handouts summarizing the info because it's too much to absorb. We have restaurant reviews and instruction on how to eat out gluten-free successfully.

And we usually have a speaker, sometimes a doctor, sometimes it someone from the Celiac community. We had Rita Sturzbecher from the The Little Aussie Bakery and Café show us how to bake gluten-free (the memory of her seeded buns might yet get me to bake something with multiple flours). We've had Beth Hillson, founder of the GFP speak and and answer questions on gluten-free baking (and bring gluten-free pizza). Jax Peters Lowel was very entertaining and gave me the most positive spin yet on Celiac. Dr. Michelle Pietzak spoke about what happens in your body when you eat gluten and it was great info, right at the time that I needed to hear it.

Everyone either brings something gluten-free or helps set up or clean up so you get to try all kinds of new things and new recipes. That's where I learned about Namaste mixes (they sent samples to the group and some kind souls cooked them). I found out about Tinkyada there from another member, Lara Bars (sent free samples). One of the local health food stores brings samples of his gluten-free goodies (like Mi-Del oreos and gluten-free breakfast bars). Whole Foods brought samples of their gluten-free Baked goods.

The best thing is you get to meet other people living with Celiac and doing it in a positive way. I haven't met a single sad sack since I've been going. And our leader has always been a great source of information and support. Our meetings are quarterly but we receive monthly newsletters. And we have a restaurant club that eats out at a restaurant that has already been proven to know how to do gluten-free successfully.

Sorry if this is too long, but I get a lot out of our local group.

Thank you for your response! I appreciate it!

Kassandra