 |
Coast to Coast for Celiac A 3,000 mile cycling adventure from California to Georgia to raise money and awareness for Celiac Disease |
 |
University
of Maryland Center for Celiac Research |
Regina on Mt. Rainier's Wonderland Trail
| In the spring of 2003, Regina was diagnosed with Celiac Disease. CD, a genetic disorder, is a heightened sensitivity to gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye, barley and possibly oats. If untreated, it can lead to some serious digestive disorders and even death. However, many people who have CD don't even know it. Recent studies suggest that at as many as 1 out of every 133 persons in the United States is affected. Many cases go undiagnosed or are asymptomatic for years. |
Regina in Training |
| That's why Regina is raising awareness about the disease and raising money for Celiac initiatives and research. An avid runner and hiker, bicycling is a new passion of Regina's. She has completed several marathons and triathlons, thru-hiked the Appalachian Trail, the John Muir Trail in California, the Wonderland Trail in Washington State, the Long Trail in Vermont and climbed Japan's Mt. Fuji! |
Regina Finishing the Appalachian Trail |
| Now Regina is facing an uphill battle with Celiac Disease. After suffering several broken bones (likely caused by CD), she took up bicycling as a safer way to keep in shape. True to form, it took her no time at all to plan her first big bicycling feat. Her cross-country trip took her more than 3,000 miles from the west coast to the east coast. Her trip started well, but she unfortunately suffered a painful back injury in Arkansas when she was hit by a truck. Regina was determined to reach the east coast on two wheels, so she forged on. She even used her misfortune to help spread the word about the disease that has changed her life forever. |
|
Regina on top of Mt. Fuji
Regina on top of Mt. Katahdin