Those of you who know our family are aware that our daughter Chelsea was born with a medical condition that led to countless operations and procedures during her first three and a half years of life, going as far as being medically rescued twice. During this time, her medical problems were thought to have been caused by many things, but after a few years it was finally determined that she had Celiac Disease. We have since learned that my wife Linda and daughter Julia have it as well.

Celiac disease is a genetic disorder affecting children and adults. People with Celiac Disease are unable to eat foods that contain gluten, which is found in wheat and other grains. In people with Celiac Disease, gluten sets off an autoimmune reaction that causes the destruction of the villi in the small intestine, which leads to damage and malnutrition. Nearly one out of every 133 Americans suffer from Celiac Disease, according to a study by the University of Maryland School of Medicine in Baltimore. Untreated Celiac Disease can be life threatening. Celiacs are more likely to be afflicted with problems relating to malabsorption, including osteoporosis, tooth enamel defects, central and peripheral nervous system disease, pancreatic disease, internal hemorrhaging, organ disorders (gall bladder, liver, and spleen), and gynecological disorders. Untreated Celiac Disease has also been linked an increased risk of certain types of cancer, especially intestinal lymphoma. There are no drugs to treat Celiac Disease and there is no cure. But celiacs can lead normal, healthy lives by following a gluten free diet. This means avoiding all products derived from wheat, rye, and barley. Celiac Disease is not a food allergy; rather it is an autoimmune disease which people cannot out grow.

Since our family has been through so much in regards to Celiac, we wanted to come up with a way to help others with it. We decided upon a fundraising golf tournament. After much thought and research, we determined that we wanted to raise money for the Center for Celiac Research at the University of Maryland and also the Greater New Haven Celiac Group, of which we are members. Hence; the Chip In For Celiac Golf Tournament.

The Chip In For Celiac Golf Tournament will take place on Friday May 15, 2009 at the Whitney Farms Golf Course in Monroe, CT. The proceeds of the tournament will benefit the Center for Celiac Research at the University of Maryland (www.celiaccenter.org). From the proceeds, a donation will be made to the Greater New Haven Celiac Group (www.connceliac.org).

The Center for Celiac Research is recognized as a worldwide leader in the field of celiac disease. It houses a comprehensive multidisciplinary program covering clinical care, support services, education, and scientific research relating to celiac disease.

The Greater New Haven Celiac Group has been a benefit to all who have celiac disease, parents of celiac children and those with dermatitis herpetiformis for over twelve years. The primary goal of the group is to make celiacs aware of the medical necessity of adhering strictly to the gluten-free diet by encouraging, educating and supporting them to accept the GF diet as a lifestyle in order to make their lives healthier and more enjoyable.

Attached are the registration forms for individual golfers, foursomes and sponsorships. If your place of business or a company you know of may be interested in a sponsorship, please forward them the attached information.

Don’t play golf or can’t make it during the day, you can also attend for dinner and post golf activities.

We hope you can join us for this special event. For questions or further information, please contact:

Chris Wheeler
cifcgt@yahoo.com
203.463.9422

Golfer Registration	Sponsorship Registration