Post by Abida AlQaisi

"If you do not distinguish yourself, you will get rejected." Floris's words have stayed with me: Floris van Overveld And he's right—distinction isn't something that simply happens. It requires intention, courage, and reaching beyond what we already know. That's precisely why, from our very first steps, we asked ourselves how we could truly stand apart. This question led us to AOECS, where we found not just knowledge, but a community of colleagues in other celiac societies who generously opened their doors and shared the practices that had shaped their success. My heart is full of gratitude for each person who believed in us along this path. As Floris also reminded us, "we don't start from scratch"—we have something solid beneath our feet, a foundation we can build upon with confidence. To the Celiac Disease Foundation and Marilyn Grunzweig Geller thank you for seeing our potential and guiding us toward AOECS. That connection changed everything. And to my European friends—you have been more than colleagues. You've been mentors, cheerleaders, and companions on this journey. Your support hasn't just helped us; it has truly empowered us. You've stood beside us when we needed it most, and that means more than words can fully express. susanna neuhold Kateřina Floriánová Suzanne Bonnici Ciantar Susana Tavares Elpida Galanopoulou María van der Hofstadt Rovira Natasa Forstner Holesek Veronica Rubio Christian Scerri Magnus Filipsson Hilary Croft Heidi Urwin Cristina De Abreu Rodrigues Angela Monica Stănescu Małgorzata Źródlak Cecilia Fonolla Paula Parente Jacqueline Pante Paulina Sabak-Huzior Tina Toggenburger Ronia Schiftan