Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder triggered by consuming a protein called gluten, which is found in wheat, barley and rye.

Alice Bast founded the National Foundation for Celiac Awareness (NFCA) based on her personal experience with celiac disease. Her own diagnosis ignited her passion to help the estimated three million Americans with celiac disease receive a prompt and accurate diagnosis. NFCA dual mission is to raising awareness of celiac disease to reduce the time to diagnosis, as well as raising funds for education and screening that will improve the quality of life of those who suffer. Alice’s personal story and work with the NFCA have garnered national media attention. She has been featured in Good Housekeeping Magazine, Newsweek, and USA Today and on nationally televised programs such as ABC’s ‘The View’, and on CBS, CNN and NBC. Website: www.CeliacCentral.org

Jonathan Papernick is the author of the short story collection The Ascent of Eli Israel, His first novel Who by Fire, Who by Blood was published by Exile Editions. Jonathan Papernick brings us nine tender and darkly humorous stories in his latest novel. From the streets of modern Israel to the barrooms of Brooklyn to a suburban New England synagogue, the protagonists of There Is No Other search for love and acceptance in a world scarred by loss and loneliness. e teaches fiction writing at Emerson College. Jonathan Papernick was diagnosed with Celiac disease. Website: http://jonpapernick.com/index.htm.