Celiac Disease Awareness Month Is May

Sample Letter:
Dear Governor,
On behalf of the 1 in 100 people affected by celiac disease, I am writing to respectfully request a proclamation recognizing Celiac Disease Awareness Month for May 2025.
Celiac disease is a serious genetic autoimmune disorder that affects 1-3% of the global population, including nearly 4 million Americans—70-80% of whom remain undiagnosed. For those with celiac disease, consuming gluten (a protein found in wheat, rye, and barley) triggers the immune system to produce antibodies that attack the small intestine. This damage causes the villi—small, finger-like projections in the intestinal lining—to atrophy and eventually flatten, impairing the body’s ability to absorb nutrients.
Left untreated, celiac disease can lead to numerous severe health complications, including:
• A sixfold increased risk of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma,
• A 3.1 times higher risk of liver disease,
• A fourfold increased risk of small bowel cancer.
The disease also imposes significant economic and productivity costs, affecting both public and private sectors. On average, individuals with celiac disease miss 23 days of work or school annually due to illness and experience repeated, often inconclusive visits to healthcare providers.
Currently, there is no medication or cure for celiac disease. The only available treatment is a strict lifelong gluten-free diet. Alarmingly, studies show that up to 50% of people on such a diet continue to experience symptoms and intestinal damage, underscoring the limitations of this treatment approach.
By declaring May as Celiac Disease Awareness Month, you can help raise awareness of this life-altering autoimmune condition. Increased awareness can drive advancements in government support for the development of improved diagnostic tools, effective treatments, and ultimately, a cure.
Thank you for considering this request and for your commitment to supporting the health and well-being of those affected by celiac disease. Together, we can make a significant impact on the lives of millions.
Thank you,