Last week, I received an invitation to attend an upcoming press conference at the University of Maryland School of Medicine. The invitation mentioned that a major announcement would be made, but it did not reveal the details. The press conference took place this morning at 11:00, and before it began, I saw the headline in the Baltimore Sun: “University of Maryland gets record donation for celiac research: $45 million to help create first-of-its-kind institute.”
At the event, Dr. Alessio Fasano and his team of researchers and clinicians announced that they had received an extraordinary private gift of $45 million. The donation will support their work in celiac disease research, patient care, education, and the search for better treatments. During the press conference, Dr. Fasano described the purpose of the gift clearly: to “find solutions, find a cure, help people now” who are living with celiac disease and related conditions. He also noted the broader relevance of this research to other autoimmune diseases, including diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis.
Dr. Fasano explains how this financial gift will be used to advance celiac disease research and improve the lives of patients.
For anyone who is not familiar with Dr. Fasano by name, his work has likely influenced what many people now understand about celiac disease. He led the largest epidemiologic study of its kind, which helped establish that celiac disease affects approximately 1 in every 133 people. That finding, published in 2003, played an important role in bringing celiac disease into wider public and medical awareness. Long before celiac disease was commonly discussed in mainstream health conversations, Dr. Fasano was already working to improve diagnosis, treatment, and support for patients.
In 1995, he founded the Center for Celiac Research with a mission to increase awareness of celiac disease and provide better care, a better quality of life, and stronger support for the celiac disease community. Over the years, the Center has become a trusted resource for patients, families, clinicians, and researchers. Its work has helped shape the understanding of gluten-related disorders and the importance of accurate diagnosis, strict dietary management, and continued scientific investigation.
Dr. Fasano has also received significant recognition for his leadership and innovation. In addition to Teacher of the Year honors and numerous other awards, he was named Maryland Innovator of the Year in 2005 and Entrepreneur of the Year at the University of Maryland School of Medicine in 2006. His accomplishments reflect not only his scientific expertise, but also his commitment to turning research into practical progress for people affected by celiac disease and gluten sensitivity.
Dr. Fasano and the Center for Celiac Research also played an important role in advancing advocacy for the celiac community. Their efforts helped support the American Celiac Disease Alliance, formerly known as the American Celiac Task Force. That work contributed to the passage of a food allergen labeling law by Congress, making it easier for people with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity to identify safer food options. The Center also created the International Run/Walk for Celiac Disease, which has raised more than $1 million for celiac awareness programs and research at both national and local levels.
Given Dr. Fasano’s proven record of innovation, leadership, and dedication to celiac disease prevention, education, and treatment, there is strong reason to believe this gift will support meaningful progress. According to Dr. Fasano, the funding will allow researchers to take risks and think beyond conventional approaches. That type of support is often essential for discoveries that might otherwise never move forward. He described the opportunity as one that could help bring about “discoveries beyond imagination.”
The donation will help researchers explore alternative treatments and new scientific strategies. Areas of investigation include repairing the intestinal defect that allows the autoimmune response associated with celiac disease, developing enzyme therapy to support wheat digestion, and engineering grains that do not trigger a celiac reaction. In addition, other University of Maryland researchers are expected to collaborate with the expanded celiac center on broader innovations, including work related to a vaccine that could help prevent autoimmune diseases.
This generous gift was made by Ken and Shelia Cafferty of Indiana, together with an unnamed foundation with which they are involved. The Caffertys understand the importance of the Center’s work on a personal level, as Shelia is one of Dr. Fasano’s patients. Their connection to the celiac disease community made the decision deeply meaningful. When I spoke with Mr. Cafferty today, he told me that supporting the Center was an easy decision because it had meant so much to their family.
The atmosphere in the room reflected the significance of the announcement. Patients, community members, researchers, and clinicians gathered with a shared sense of excitement and hope. For those who have followed celiac disease research for years, this gift represents more than a financial contribution. It is a powerful investment in the future of celiac disease treatment, awareness, and scientific discovery. The anticipation for what may come next was clear, and the sense of possibility was truly inspiring.
To support the Center and learn more about its work, visit CeliacCenter.org.