Gannon-Celiac

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 13, 2002
Contact: Alexandra Bessent abessent@umm.edu 410-328-9260
Ellen Beth Levitt eblevitt@umm.edu 410-328-8919

RICH GANNON SCORES TOUCHDOWNS FOR THE UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND CENTER FOR CELIAC RESEARCH

Dr. Fasano, co-director of the UM Center for Celiac Research, with NFL quarterback Rich Gannon.

Oakland Raiders' quarterback Rich Gannon is throwing his support to the University of Maryland Center for Celiac Research, in order to raise awareness and foster research on celiac disease. During this NFL season, for every Raiders touchdown completion, Gannon will make a donation to the Center for Celiac Research, located in Baltimore at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

Most people aren't familiar with celiac disease, though it may be one of the most common genetically based disorders. That's according to Alessio Fasano, M.D., co-director of the University of Maryland Center for Celiac Research and professor of pediatrics at the University of Maryland School of Medicine.

People with celiac disease aren't able to digest the protein gluten, found in wheat and other grains. If someone with the disease eats bread, pizza or even drinks a beer, they can have severe intestinal problems. Gluten sets off an autoimmune reaction in the intestines that can cause diarrhea, abdominal pain, malabsorption of nutrients, and other gastrointestinal problems. Scientists at the Center for Celiac Research estimate that more than one million Americans have celiac disease, but most suffer without treatment because they are never diagnosed.

There is no cure for celiac disease, but scientists at the University of Maryland Center for Celiac Research are trying to find a cure, in addition to working hard to improve diagnosis and treatment. For now, anyone with the disease must avoid all foods with gluten.

Rich Gannon is personally affected by celiac disease since his daughter, Danielle, was diagnosed with it a few years ago. In 2000, Gannon launched a public awareness campaign in partnership with the Center for Celiac Research to raise awareness about celiac disease. Now in 2002, this all-pro quarterback's commitment continues.

To learn more about celiac disease, contact the Center for Celiac Research at 800-492-5538 or visit the website at www.celiaccenter.org.

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For patient inquiries, call 1-800-492-5538 or click here to make an appointment.

This page was last updated on: March 9, 2009.