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Mission Statement
The Canadian Celiac Association is a national organization dedicated to providing services to support persons afflicted with Celiac disease and/or Dermatitis Herpetiformis through programs of Awareness, Advocacy, Education and Research. Celiacs are served by local Chapters throughout Canada, which united, form a national body called the Canadian Celiac Association.
Celiac Disease
Celiac Disease is a medical condition in which the absorptive surface of the small intestine is damaged by a substance called gluten. This results in an inability of the body to absorb nutrients: protein, fat, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals, which are necessary for good health. The Canadian Celiac Association's web site provides a full description of Celiac Disease as well as symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and related diseases and conditions.
PEI Chapter
The PEI Chapter is one of twenty-seven chapters comprising the Canadian Celiac Association. The Charlottetown Chapter was founded in 1988, and serves all of Prince Edward Island. It has recently changed its name to the PEI Chapter to reflect this change. All Island celiacs are encouraged to become members.
Meetings
Meetings are held three times a year. They are generally scheduled for March (Charlottetown), September (Summerside) and the Annual General Meeting alternates between Summerside and Charlottetown and is held in June.Notices of upcoming meetings can be found in Event's section.
Peer Counsellor Program
The Peer Counsellor Program provides information and support to people newly diagnosed with celiac disease and dermatitis herpetiformis, through the use of an information package and personal support provided by a Canadian Celiac Association volunteer. Our goal is to ensure that every new member receives current, accurate and complete information on celiac disease and the gluten free diet, and provide support in making the adjustment to a gluten free lifestyle.
Counsellors on P.E.I. are:
Jerry Muzika - Charlottetown 672-2822
Jean Eldershaw - Morrell 961-2066
Karen Ellis - O'Leary 859-3771
Alma MacLennan - O'Leary 853-4396
Antoinette Arsenault - Summerside 854-2539
Dianne Winsor - Kensington 886-2048
