"We'd love to!! (Keep Buckwheat for Halloween.) Right now, Buckwheat is visiting Second Grade. Today he will have GF snacks with Mikayla at snack time (the teacher said she would take a picture). Apparently, yesterday he had an amazing day at school and got hugs from all the kids while answering questions about Celiac disease.

We have a great picture of Mikayla and Buckwheat eating dinner at a Chinese restaurant. Buckwheat is using chopsticks. I took the photo on my digital camera so I can email it to you. If you would like it, I will do it this evening.

Thanks for the terrific program!"

"Just wanted to give you some feedback on the Traveling Bears Program...

From a parent's point of view, I thought hosting the traveling bear was a very positive experience. My 9-yr old daughter, who is generally shy about her gluten intolerance, was very excited to receive Buckwheat and share him with her class. I also brought him to her sister's first grade class where he also was received well. In both classes many other children with different food sensitivities and/or allergies spoke up and said that they, too, had foods they couldn't eat.. It seemed to be a bonding situation for these children as they all realized they aren't as different as they thought. One first grader, who is gradually going blind, hugged my daughter, smiled at her and said, "We're both different--I can't see good, and you can't eat gluten." Both teachers were eager to accommodate us, preparing for our visit by teaching about the human body, nutrition, and sensitivity to others. We shared a gluten free snack in each class. It was truly a learning experience for everyone involved. I think my daughter also felt relieved afterwards, having the burden of constantly trying to explain her situation removed from her, at least in her classroom.

Thank you for sponsoring a truly wonderful program. We are hoping to have a visit next year from one of Buckwheat's friends "

"I have to tell you that this has meant more to (my son) than I could have imagined. I think it has helped him feel like he has a connection to other kids that are "just like him". Thank you so much for doing this. I can't wait to see more pictures on the website."