A Family Journey Begins
I never expected celiac disease to become such a central part of my family’s story. It all started in 1990 when my son was diagnosed. Suddenly, so many of his favorite foods-birthday cakes, school lunches, Grandma’s cookies-were off-limits. I can still see in my
mind, my son standing there with a melted candy bar in his hand after he left the
neighbors birthday party asking me “is this safe, daddy?”. The following year, my mother-in-law received the same diagnosis, and then in 1993, my wife was diagnosed as well. Watching each of them face the fear, frustration, and anxiety of living with celiac disease was eye-opening, but at the time, I didn’t fully understand what they were going through.
Walking in Their Shoes
It wasn’t until 2005, when I was diagnosed myself, that I truly grasped the daily challenges of celiac disease. From the pain and digestive issues to the emotional strain, I experienced firsthand what my family had endured for years. I still remember the taste of gluten-filled bread and treats, but after the sickness and discomfort, I knew cheating wasn’t an option. This personal experience deepened my empathy and changed how I supported my loved ones.
A Son’s Wish Sparks a Mission
One of the most touching moments came when my son asked if there was any way he could enjoy Grandma’s warm oatmeal cookies, her apple crisp, and her famous no-bake cookies for the first time. That simple wish inspired me to dive into research and experimentation. Together, we developed our first purity protocol process for gluten-free oats, making it possible for him to safely enjoy those cherished family treats. Seeing his joy was a powerful reminder that this work could help many others living with celiac disease.
Building Something Bigger
In 2007, driven by this passion, I made a life-changing decision. After 13 years managing a technical support department, I resigned to join my wife Jill and son Forrest in creating North America’s first certified gluten-free, kosher, organic oat mill. We dedicated ourselves to producing safe, high-quality oatmeal products in bulk and ready-to-eat forms, serving families both domestically and internationally. In 2020, we sold the mill to focus on family time and travel, but our commitment to the celiac community remained strong.
Continuing the Journey with Purpose
Living with celiac disease has been a profound and transformative experience for me. It has taught me the importance of empathy, understanding, and community. Today, through my work with LEO Verification Systems, Inc., I continue my passion to serve others navigating the challenges of celiac disease. If you’re on this journey too, know that you’re not alone-and that together, we can make life safer, easier, and a little sweeter, one safe bite at a time.
