I was 29 years old when I heard four words that changed my life forever:
“You have Celiac Disease.”
At the time, I was a young mom with four kids under the age of six. My husband traveled most weeks for work, leaving me alone in a city where I knew no one. My days began with pain so sharp in my feet and shins that even touching the floor felt impossible, but I had to push through. I was exhausted, foggy, and falling asleep at the wheel. I couldn’t eat without getting sick. My belly would distend, my brain fog was overwhelming, and I could barely put sentences together. Honestly, I thought I was dying.
When my doctor said those four words, “You have Celiac Disease,” there were no resources, no guides, no support groups. Most people had never even heard of it. You see, Celiac was still considered “new”. In fact, it was first described in medical history in 1887 by English pediatrician Samuel Gee, who called it the “coeliac affection.” (Beyond Celiac – History of Celiac Disease).
Back then, I felt utterly alone.
Fast-forward many years, when my husband Bruce planned a quick and much-needed anniversary getaway. He had set up a beautiful trip for five days and four nights at a very exclusive hotel, ready to wine and dine me the way he always does.
But instead of celebrating, each night after dinner, I was sick.
Even though we explained my condition at every restaurant, that this wasn’t a diet, but a serious disease where even cross-contamination could harm me, I was glutened three out of four nights.
Three. Nights. In. A. Row.
I was devastated. And angry.
That night, I called my daughter-in-law, Hannah. Through tears, I told her what happened. Together, we cried, we vented, and then we got mad. Really mad. And that’s when the spark turned into action. We decided something had to change, for me, for her, and for anyone living with Celiac Disease, dairy allergies, or food intolerances.
The Free Was Born Out of Pain, But Built on Hope
That anniversary trip wasn’t just a botched trip; it was a turning point. Sitting there, sick again after being reassured I was “safe,” I realized this wasn’t just about me. It was about every person who has ever felt ignored, doubted, or dismissed because their needs didn’t fit neatly onto a menu. It was about every parent scared to send their child to a birthday party, every young adult embarrassed to explain their food restrictions at a dinner out, and every family that felt excluded from holidays or traditions because of food allergies.
That’s why The Free was born. Out of frustration, yes—but also out of love, determination, and a deep belief that life shouldn’t stop at diagnosis.
Our mission is simple but powerful: Educate. Empower. Live Free.
We’re here to educate individuals, families, and food establishments so they truly understand the seriousness of Celiac Disease, dairy allergies, and intolerances. We’re here to empower you with practical tools like guides, recipes, resources, and training so you feel confident, safe, and supported in every setting. And most of all, we’re here to remind you that you can live free: free from fear, free from confusion, and free to enjoy life fully again.
This isn’t just a website. It’s a community. It’s a family that gets it—because we live it every single day.
If you’re newly diagnosed, I want you to hear me clearly: you are not alone. I know the fear, the brain fog, the frustration, and the heartbreak of wondering if you’ll ever feel “normal” again. I’ve been where you are.
But here’s the good news: you don’t have to figure it out by yourself like I did. The Free was built to be your one-stop resource for all things gluten-free and dairy-free. From Be Free Guides that make shopping and dining simple, to recipes that bring joy back to your table, to educational articles and training resources that raise awareness in restaurants and kitchens, we’ve pulled it all under one roof for you.
This is the resource I desperately needed back in 1999. And now, it’s here for you.
Welcome, friend. You belong here. We’ll walk this journey with you, every step of the way.
Start today with our Be Free Guides and begin living your life free, with confidence, hope, and a whole lot of support.