WHEREAS, celiac disease is one of the world’s most prevalent genetic autoimmune diseases, affecting an estimated three million Americans, 70-80 percent of whom are undiagnosed; and

WHEREAS, celiac disease causes the body to attack its own small intestine, potentially leading to a range of serious health conditions, including certain cancers; and

WHEREAS, celiac disease contributes to substantial economic and productivity losses across the public and private sectors, including cost associated with employee and student absenteeism, as well as repeated, inconclusive visits to healthcare providers; and

WHEREAS, on average, an accurate diagnosis of celiac disease could take four years; and

WHEREAS, there is currently no approved medication or cure for celiac disease, and the only treatment is a lifelong, strict gluten-free diet; and

WHEREAS, studies show that up to 50 percent of people on a gluten-free diet continue to experience symptoms and have intestinal damage, highlighting the limitations of the gluten-free diet as a treatment; and

WHEREAS, the Celiac Disease Foundation is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life and health of individuals with celiac disease by advocating for increased government support for biomedical research and diagnostic tools, effective treatments, and ultimately a cure for celiac disease, while also raising public awareness of this serious disease; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Abigail D. Spanberger, Governor, do hereby recognize May 2026, as CELIAC DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH in the COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens