My Celiac Story: From Sick and Scared to Strong and Sharing

My Celiac Story: From Sick and Scared to Strong and Sharing

For a long time, I lived in a constant state of discomfort. My stomach was always upset. I felt sick more days than not—nauseous, drained, just off. I went to doctor after doctor looking for answers, but time and time again, I was told the same thing: “It’s probably just stress.”
“You’re fine.”
“It’s in your head.”

I began to question myself. Was I imagining it? Was I being overly sensitive? But deep down, I knew something wasn’t right. I wasn’t fine—I was barely getting through the day. I was scared, confused, and exhausted from feeling unwell and unheard.

Eventually, someone took me seriously. A new doctor ordered bloodwork, which led to further testing, including an endoscopy. The answer finally came: celiac disease.

Getting the diagnosis was a whirlwind of emotions—relief that I wasn’t crazy, fear about what it meant for my future, and anxiety about how I would manage this invisible but life-altering disease. I quickly learned that gluten was everywhere—in obvious things like bread and pasta, but also hidden in sauces, seasonings, even surfaces in shared kitchens.

I became scared to eat anything that I didn’t make myself. Cross-contamination was a constant threat. Eating out felt like gambling with my health. It was isolating. Frustrating. Exhausting.

But instead of letting that fear define me, I decided to turn it into something meaningful.

I started my own farm stand, offering homemade, celiac-safe recipes—foods that I could eat and trust, and that others like me could enjoy without fear. It became more than just a stand. It became a symbol of resilience, a way to give back to the celiac community, and a step toward my bigger dream: opening a 100% gluten-free, celiac-safe bakery.

Living with celiac disease is still hard—especially the social side of it. Eating out remains the toughest part. But through it all, I’ve learned how strong I am. I’ve learned to listen to my body. And most importantly, I’ve found purpose in sharing my journey with others who are walking a similar path.

Because no one deserves to be told it’s all in their head—and everyone deserves food that feels safe.