METS TEAM WITH THE NFCA AND R.O.C.K. LONG ISLAND
TO HOST CELIAC DISEASE AWARENESS NIGHT THIS FRIDAY AT CITI FIELD
SNY’s Kevin Burkhardt and The View’s Elisabeth Hasselbeck support Celiac Disease Awareness Night
FLUSHING, N.Y., May 25, 2011 – The New York Mets, the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) and Raising Our Celiac Kids (R.O.C.K.) Long Island have teamed to host Celiac Disease Awareness Night this Friday, May 27 at Citi Field when the Mets take on the Philadelphia Phillies at 7:10 p.m.
Fans will be treated to pre-game activities in the Left Field Landing designed to raise awareness of celiac disease, an autoimmune disorder triggered by the protein gluten found in wheat, barley and rye. Along with a visit by Mr. Met and a menu of gluten-free food and beverages, SNY Field Reporter Kevin Burkhardt, who suffers from celiac disease, will be on hand to host a silent auction of sports memorabilia and special packages, including an opportunity to shadow Burkhardt pre-game at a Mets home game and a chance to watch the Mets take batting practice from the field.
The Mets have gluten free options available at every game at the Kozy Shack Gluten Free Stand, located in the Taste of the City on Field Level in Right Field, which offers a variety of Kozy Shack puddings and gels, sausage and peppers, hot dogs, hamburgers, buns and Redbridge beer. These options will also be available in the Left Field Landing on this special night.
The View’s Elisabeth Hasselbeck, who also suffers from the disease, will be honored before the game for her contributions in the Celiac community. Hasselbeck has written a best-selling book “The G Free Diet” about the disease and started her own line of gluten free protein bars called nogii.
Celiac disease affects one in every 100 Americans. Cases of celiac disease have increased fourfold since the 1950’s, yet 90% of those affected by the ailment live undiagnosed. Left untreated, celiac disease can lead to further complications such as autoimmune diseases, osteoporosis, thyroid disease and some cancers. Currently, the only known treatment for celiac disease is a complete gluten-free diet. Citi Field offers several gluten-free concessions stands for fans all season long.
Tickets for Celiac Disease Awareness Night can be purchased through Mets.com/celiac or by calling (718) 507-TIXX. Net proceeds from the night will go towards celiac education and awareness programs through the NFCA and R.O.C.K. Long Island. Fans purchasing tickets through this offer will receive a Mets ticket holder and a lanyard.
About the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness:
The National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) is a non-profit organization dedicated to raising awareness of celiac disease in order to gain prompt and accurate diagnoses for those suffering, supporting the health and wellbeing of those with the disease, and facilitating research that will better understand the disorder and find a cure. For more information, visit www.celiaccentral.org.
About Raising Our Celiac Kids Long Island:
Raising Our Celiac Kids (R.O.C.K.) Long Island is a free support group for parents, families and friends of kids on a gluten-free diet. R.O.C.K. Long Island is raising funds to benefit the Celiac Disease Center at Columbia University which is the premier Center in the United States that provides comprehensive medical care, including nutrition, for adult and pediatric patients with celiac disease. The Center is diagnosing and treating more than 2,800 patients annually from around the world. For more information, visit www.rockli.com.
This is good stuff because not only does it provide awareness and raise money, but it also brings people together who might otherwise feel a little isolated or overwhelmed.