Sweet Faces of Celiac Disease: Meet Jayda

Jayda is 3 years old and was diagnosed with celiac disease 
at 2 1/2 years old.

What symptoms was your child having before being diagnosed?

Complained of tummy aches, lack of appetite, not gaining weight, swollen belly

Any other family members diagnosed with celiac disease?

No

How has your child’s life changed since being diagnosed?

She has so much more energy! Mealtimes are no longer a battle to get her to eat--now she eats just about anything we put in front of her! It has been 6 months since her diagnosis, and she has gained nearly 7 pounds (went from 25 pounds to almost 32 pounds)!

What advice would you offer a parent who’s child was just diagnosed with celiac disease?

You can do this! I was a little overwhelmed at first--especially scared of cross-contamination, as the rest of the family still ate gluten. But you will learn very quickly, and soon it becomes second nature!

Sweet Jayda, look at you, you look so healthy now! Seven pounds in 6 months? That's amazing! So happy you are eating and feeling so much better!