On Sept. 29, 2024, the nonprofit organization Step Beyond Celiac hosted its annual 5K race at Middlesex Community College in Bedford to raise funds and bring awareness to celiac disease.
According to the Celiac Disease Foundation, at least one percent of the world’s population suffers from celiac disease, a chronic disorder that damages one’s small intestine. This creates an immune reaction to digesting certain nutrients such as gluten. Between 50-83% of those with celiac disease remain undiagnosed or misdiagnosed. Since 2003, Step Beyond Celiac has been the leading patient advocacy and research-driven celiac disease organization.
“[Step] Beyond Celiac envisions a world in which people with celiac disease can live healthy lives and eat without fear,” Valerie Kraft, a spokesperson for Step Beyond Celiac, said.
Lexington High School students volunteered at the race; they assisted with cleaning, setting up, and cheering for the runners.
“As a volunteer, I mainly helped run the stand where people participating in the event
could take photos with their families and friends, and at the end of the event cheered the runners on. I thought this would be a great opportunity to support the community and meet other students from both LHS and other schools,” Abi Smith, a sophomore at LHS, said.
With the help of many LHS students, the event was a success, drawing nearly 100 members of the local celiac disease community, including both supporters and those that have been diagnosed. Many volunteers enjoyed the experience and hope to contribute again in the future.
“My favorite part about the event was probably meeting with the other volunteers who also cheered along the runners with me, and seeing that there were so many people in this event makes me happy that this condition is becoming more well-known and understood. I think it’s a really special event and I hope to volunteer again,” Jenny Yang, a junior at LHS, said.
Volunteering for these events helps strengthen the LHS community, raising awareness about issues that tend to go unnoticed. By volunteering at the race, LHS students were encouraged to advocate for causes that destigmatize individuals with certain conditions and promote understanding.
“Volunteers make our events possible. And, for many members of the community, coming to the Step Beyond Celiac 5K is the first time they have ever met another person with celiac disease. Our volunteers directly make those crucial community connections possible,” Craft said.
As one of the biggest events that support celiac disease, the Step Beyond Celiac 5K gave LHS students the opportunity to both learn and take away something meaningful.
“I learned that there are so many people who care about this disease. It’s really heartwarming,” Yang said.
