A Brief History of the TCCSG

The TCCSG was formed in the spring of 1991 when a medical assistant, diagnosed with Celiac Disease, and a newly diagnosed patient of Dr. Thomas Alexander were unable to find help in dealing with this disease. No support group was available in all of Michigan at that time. Another celiac patient joined them at several group meeting in Canada and the three found the information did not always apply to the products available in the U.S. After a problem with the border guards involving a trunkful of gluten free breads, the trio decided, with much encouragement from Dr. Alexander, that maybe they could organize a support group in the metro area.. and so began the Tri-County Celiac Sprue Support Group – now the Tri-County Celiac Support Group.

TCCSG began as a fledgling organization. Dr. Alexander volunteered as physician advisor and Dorothy Vaughan, RD, who also has CD, volunteered as our registered dietitian advisor. In the fall of 2001, the group reorganized as a non-profit charitable agency under Michigan law.

Through our advisors, an extremely able and dedicated first president (Kathy Davis) and the assistance of members, we had pooled our personal resources and experiences. With these tools we have become confident in helping each other with daily living a gluten-free lifestyle.

TCCSG does not only provide support to its membership. In past years the group has organized a very successful annual Food Fair. Many vendors and guests attend the Food Fair offering a variety of gluten-free products to purchase. The Walk/Run for Research is another annual event, organized to raise funds for Celiac research.

We hope you will be a part of our history as we continue our journey forward.