Celiac Canada was honoured to be one of 110 national charities selected by the former Prime Minister’s Office to bestow the prestigious King Charles III Coronation Medals. We were given the opportunity to recognize 51 outstanding individuals who have shaped lives, improved laws, and opened hearts over the past 50 years.
This commemorative medal celebrates Canadians who have made significant contributions to Canada—whether nationally, provincially, regionally, or abroad—bringing credit to our country through their achievements, dedication, and commitment to the well-being of Canadian society.
To ensure a thoughtful and representative selection, our National Board of Directors appointed a King Charles Nominations Committee. Their task was to identify individuals who have meaningfully advanced celiac disease awareness, health policy, gluten-free food innovation, research, and volunteerism. Unsurprisingly, with more than five decades of organizational history, the list was quickly filled with inspiring, deserving individuals. On average, each recipient has dedicated more than a decade to advancing care, support, health advice, and policy change
Fittingly, our first recipient was Marion Zarkadas, in Ottawa, Ontario. Marion, who worked at Health Canada alongside former Director General Dr. Samuel Godefroy—also a medal recipient—played a pivotal role in advancing Canada’s gluten labelling regulations. These efforts made Canada one of the first countries to mandate gluten declarations on food labels. Ironically, Marion later developed celiac disease herself after years spent improving access to safe food. Other recipients, Lance Hill and Michael Abbott, also from Health Canada, were instrumental in enhancing national and international standards for safe food and gluten-free oats.
While in Ottawa, we honoured local volunteers June Williams and Roberta Kramchynsky. I had the pleasure of joining Roberta for Hanukkah on the Hill with Board Director Stu Guttman. We also attended a Research Canada stakeholder event, seizing the opportunity to raise the profile of celiac disease, build new advocacy partnerships, and address issues such as research funding cuts in the U.S. We connected with the Canadian Brain Research Network and the Health Charities Coalition of Canada, and reviewed the latest polling data on Canadian health priorities.
Next, it was off to Winnipeg, Manitoba, where we joined the local chapter at their annual gluten-free pancake breakfast. While kids decorated sugar cookies, we honoured long-time Chapter President Christa Dubesky and dietitian Dayna Weiten—two community champions who represent the importance of local support in managing celiac disease and improving quality of life.
Our celebration continued in a very snowy Quebec City, where we partnered with the Canadian Association of Gastroenterology (CAG) during their annual conference. We honoured seven gastroenterologists for their critical role in research, diagnosis, and care. Three recipients—Drs. Donald Duerksen, Elena Verdu, and Jocelyn Silvester—joined us in person. Dr. Silvester is especially recognized for bringing care to remote northern communities and for her leadership in pediatric celiac management. Celiac disease was also featured in a dedicated panel at the conference. (Check out our full conference recap here: CDDW 2025 Research summary – Celiac Canada).
A short train ride later, I arrived in Montreal, where we joined our sister organization, Coeliaque Québec, to celebrate French-language celiac leadership. Four recipients were key contributors to the organization, including founder Claude Gaudet. The event was a great example of our shared commitment to improving life for Canadians with celiac disease, regardless of language or region.
A few days later, I headed west to Calgary, Alberta, to meet with chapter leaders about aligning our national and local strategic plans. The Calgary Chapter hosted a beautiful dinner for honourees: dietitian and “Queen of Gluten-Free” Shelley Case, former PAC Chair Dr. Butzner, current PAC member Dr. Dominica Gidrewicz, and long-time peer support expert Joanne Murray.
Meanwhile, Celiac Canada President Lizbeth Wall was hosting celebrations in British Columbia, where a gluten-free high tea was arranged for past president Treena Duncan, past chapter president Val Vaartnou, and former chapter director and national volunteer Lynda Marie Neilson. In Victoria, it was a special moment as Mark Johnson and Anne Wraggett celebrated together. Mark, a past Ottawa Chapter president now living in B.C., continues to lead our annual national conference. Anne, a past national president, helped guide CCA through a critical time—and helped hire me!
Back in Ontario, we hosted a wonderful community celebration at the Royal Botanical Gardens, where 23 recipients received their medals from Vice President Doris Foster and Director Nancy Dale. While too numerous to name here, I encourage you to read about these incredible individuals on our website and discover the rich history of our movement.
Our final stop was in Edmonton, Alberta, where we joined their 40th anniversary celebration. We honoured two respected gastroenterologists and Jerry Bigam, founder of Kinnikinnick Foods. Jerry’s story during our fireside chat was a highlight—his company was one of the first gluten-free manufacturers in Canada, and among the first to offer home delivery and gluten-free donuts! Dr. Connie Switzer mesmerized the crowd with her knowledge of past and present outlook on the disease and our evolving knowledge.
This tour has been a remarkable opportunity to reflect on the impact of so many passionate and generous people. Thank you to all who welcomed us, shared their stories, and continue to dedicate themselves to this important cause.
With appreciation,
Melissa Secord
National Executive Director, Celiac Canada
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