By MATT CHANDLER
mchandler@bizjournals.com | 716-541-1654

Imagine not being able to enjoy a sandwich for lunch, a slice of pizza during the big game or a cold beer after a long day at work without suffering stomach pains and other internal problems. Dinner at a friend's house is a no-no; so is eating out at restaurants. Each meal must be carefully planned because any deviation could have major repercussions.

Then imagine the frustration of not understanding what's causing your health problems.

Welcome to the world of those suffering from celiac disease, a chronic disorder whereby a person cannot tolerate anything containing gluten.

It is something that Claire Krueger knows all too well. Her mother was diagnosed a quarter-century ago at a time when there wasn't a real understanding of the disease or the special dietary needs of those afflicted with it. Eight years ago, Claire - a legal secretary with Damon Morey LLP - was diagnosed, as well. Fortunately, knowledge and understanding have come a long way in 25 years, thanks in part to the Western New York Gluten-Free Diet Support Group. Krueger serves on the board of directors.

"I joined the group when I was diagnosed," she says. "We work to get the word out and educate as many people as we can about the disease, as well as restaurants and doctors' offices."

According to Krueger, education is critical to improving the lives of those with celiac disease. Example, a person can have a reaction if something with gluten in it is prepared and comes into contact with other foods.

"It can be tough in restaurants because so many of the servers don't understand what a gluten-free diet is, so we work with them," she says. "Things have come a long way in the last several years."

To highlight that progress, as well as the group's 25th anniversary, the support group is hosting Gluten Freedom Day on Sept. 10 at Hearthstone Manor in Depew.

Krueger, who is helping plan the event, says it's a chance for people to attend a vendor expo, hear guest speakers and learn about the disease. Business owners, meanwhile, can find out how to offer products, services and food to accommodate the growing number of people dealing with the disease.

The local support group has 200 members, but the disease affects an estimated 3 million Americans.

She is hoping for a big turnout at the inaugural information event.

"There is so much false information out there on the Internet and other places that people really need to understand the disease and what signs to look for in themselves or someone they know," she says.

For example, symptoms often are mistaken for irritable bowel syndrome or other ailments. A blood test, and in some cases a biopsy of the small intestine, is needed to confirm a diagnosis.

Though it may sound scary to some, Krueger says the disease is manageable. More and more stores, including Wegmans,  have come onboard by offering an expanded selection of gluten-free options. Restaurants, too.

She says she understands that for people suffering from celiac disease, there is a lot of information to take in and try to understand, especially for those who are newly diagnosed.

"So I hope people will come out and participate and take advantage of this day," says Krueger.