Has Disney Gone Too Far?

I think we need to step back and look at what Disney could do with this subject. Because gluten-free has become a "fad," it is remaining difficult for the public to understand and support celiac disease. Even certain celiac publications are lumping allergies such as lactose and whatever with celiac disease--again perpetuating the idea that eating gluten-free for celiacs is just an allergy and NOT an autoimmune disease such as diabetes.

Also...the medical world itself does not recognize the needs of a celiac... I was in the hospital for a month having had a perforated colon and the hospital did not even have gluten-free offerings...

As a community, we need to stop being everything to all people and fully concentrate on celiac disease and the need for gluten-free... don't lump us in with allergies... keep us separated and above the conversation about allergies... and keep the information coming about the seriousness of undiagnosed or eating gluten for celiacs.

Disney went too far. I just want to know if Disney would've thrown peanuts at the child actor knowing he has a (pretend) peanut allergy? Peanuts can be life threatening, but you hear about that more than other allergies. A lot of confusion occurs - it really depends on the person. Like me, I'll be gluten-free 3 years, with minor slip ups, after celiac disease made me sick for over two years and then I had a month long migraine headache and ended up in the emergency room until I stopped eating gluten. But I know two people that almost died from ingesting celiac, and internally losing blood. It really can kill you, but it depends upon the person, it's that individualized.

I think we need to step back and look at what Disney could do with this subject. Because gluten-free has become a "fad," it is remaining difficult for the public to understand and support celiac disease. Even certain celiac publications are lumping allergies such as lactose and whatever with celiac disease--again perpetuating the idea that eating gluten-free for celiacs is just an allergy and NOT an autoimmune disease such as diabetes.

 

Also...the medical world itself does not recognize the needs of a celiac... I was in the hospital for a month having had a perforated colon and the hospital did not even have gluten-free offerings...

 

As a community, we need to stop being everything to all people and fully concentrate on celiac disease and the need for gluten-free... don't lump us in with allergies... keep us separated and above the conversation about allergies... and keep the information coming about the seriousness of undiagnosed or eating gluten for celiacs.

I am not so Disney side of the house. My son is gluten-free and watches it with no complaints. He also needs to know how to handle these situations and it may make others aware that he cannot even be touched by certain things. Spray on sunblock is my big complaint. People don't look around before they spray and my son's skin breaks out if it is the wrong brand.

In regards to hospital food, you are absolutely right! I take my son to Children's Mercy in Kansas City and they don't have any type of label for gluten-free. A lot of kids eat there with celiac disease, so that is disappointing to me. On a good note, Fort Riley was able to tell my son exactly what he could eat off of their line.

I think this is something that needs to be addressed. I too have experienced harassment/bullying/hostile work environment (whatever you want to call it) because of my diet restrictions. It went so far as to have cake smashed on my car. I had to have my locker in a separate area because someone was putting crackers in my bag. (lockers are shared so not always locked). I would come back from lunch to find crumbs scattered on my desk. Worst thing about this---I work at a hospital!!!

Couldn't that be considered an illegal assault, if not attempted murder?