“Life with Celiac Disease Explored in Documentary Film The Celiac Project,” a first-of-its-kind documentary about life before and after the diagnosis of celiac disease will be screened at the Evanston Public Library on Wednesday, July 8 at 7PM in the Community Meeting Room. A panel discussion will follow with director and subject of the film, Evanston native Michael Frolichstein (pictured). He will be joined on the panel by Dr. Vincent Biank, M.D., a pediatric gastroenterologist at Evanston Hospital and Carrie Ek, R.D., a registered dietician and nutritionist, and Coordinator of the Pediatric Celiac Disease Center at Advocate Lutheran General Hospital in Park Ridge.
The inspiration for this film came after Frolichstein struggled with a series of “mystery aliments” before finally being diagnosed with celiac disease at age 40. He was surprised to learn that this auto-immune disease, which affects 1% of the US population, is 83% undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. His journey to meet others who had suffered, as well as get answers from experts, led him to uncover more mysteries within his own family. The documentary ultimately explores what we can do individually and as a society to advance the conversation and raise awareness about the disease.
All are welcome but registration is requested.