<p>I wouldn’t bring up the exercise routine at all. I knew too many bulimics and anorexics who overdid the exercise as part of their keeping thin regime. Matter of fact, much shorter. I would name the disease, lots of people have heard of it and I don’t think there is any stigma. I liked Consolation’s description of the consequences of accidentally eating gluten. I’d end it “If you need any information about celiac disease you could speak with our daughter’s pediatrician.”</p>
<p>Ii wouldn’t have the parent send a letter — it sounds like the old saw “thou does protest too much”. Instead, I would talk to her school counselor and ask the counselor to call the school in question and explain that you were concerned, and stress that she has celiac disease, not that she is anorexic. I think colleges would be more likely to believe this coming from a third party than you or your daughter.</p>
<p>Excellent idea, Carolyn. I would just make sure that the counselor has been given a simple, written explanation of celiac first, understands it, and is on board on all points.</p>
<p>I like Carolyn’s idea and you could suggest that instead of “celiac disease” the phrase “gluten allergy” be used.</p>
<p>Good luck to you daughter as she persues her passion.</p>
<p>I think a reader would be skeptical of the letter as written, especially since it does not identify the allergy. I think a doctor’s note could be better. One note: I guess this could be one case in which the old name for a condition, in this case “sprue,” might have better connotations than the newer term, “celiac disease.”</p>
<p>If in the initial interview, the student was evasive, this letter better be sent soon…if she was asked direct questions about her appearance by people who are very worried about eating disorders, and said, well, its a food allegery, it almost sounds like an excuse to cover up an eating disorder, instead of being seen as “oh, glutton, I know some with that…it can be hard, but you seem to have it under control, that is great”</p>
<p>I bring this up, because down the road, this will come up again and again, especially in the dance arena, and the student needs to practice her answers, so she can confidenatly talk about her condition, which can be seen as akin to diabetes- not fun, but very very livable if you take care of yourself</p>
<p>It can be the percieved evasiveness to a direct question, and not the actualy condition itself that can cause rejection…D should almost carry around a fact sheet</p>
<p>If you send the letter, the old saying less is more would apply here. The above letter sounds like you are making excuses. I also agree you need to mention celiac disease instead of being evasive. Your daughter may have sounded like she was also being evasive, so the interviewer may be concerned. Of course, your daughter may have aced the interview and the letter might not be needed!!</p>
<p>Best of luck to you and your daughter!</p>