Novella Freeman, 16, a 10th-grader at Twin Valley High School and a member of BSA Scout Troop 543G, will hold a celiac awareness event on Saturday, May 31, at 5 p.m. at Robeson Lutheran Church, where the troop meets. Attendees will learn about celiac disease and enjoy a gluten-free meal.

Novella explained that people who have celiac disease are unable to eat gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and barley. Therefore, they must adhere to a strict gluten-free diet.

Novella, the daughter of Steve and Leslie Freeman, decided to educate people about celiac disease as part of her required Eagle Scout service project.

"I was diagnosed in December of last year," Novella explained. "Not a lot of people know about the disease. It is a gluten intolerance that makes people sick. I am totally gluten-free. I eat (foods made with) a lot of rice flours rather than wheat products."

According to http://www.celiac.org, celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that causes the ingestion of gluten to lead to damage in the small intestine. Celiac disease can develop at any age.

People with the disease must avoid foods with wheat, rye, and barley, such as bread and processed cheese or meats. Even ingesting small amounts of gluten, like crumbs from a toaster, can cause small intestine damage.

Symptoms of the disease include abdominal pain, fatigue, headaches and migraines. "I had headaches and felt weak all the time. Now that I eat gluten-free, I feel better," Novella shared.

The program on May 31 will begin with a talk by James Kline, a physician assistant from U.S. Digestive Health, who will provide information about celiac disease and offer a question-and-answer session.

The talk will be followed by the dinner, which will be served buffet style. "I am having gluten-free pasta, with cheese or meat, and I will have salads, gluten-free chocolate cherry cake and a banana cake and different samples of gluten-free products like cookies and candy," said Novella.

The food will be prepared at the church by family and fellow troop members. Novella noted that she will also be on hand at the event to greet attendees and answer questions about her experience with celiac disease.

Novella is required to document all aspects of her project, which has been approved by the Hawk Mountain Council, BSA. When completed, she will earn the Eagle Award and take part in an Eagle Court of Honor ceremony.

Eagle is the highest rank attainable in Scouts BSA. Requirements include earning at least 21 merit badges, 14 of which are mandatory for the award. The Eagle Scout must demonstrate Scout spirit, service and leadership, which includes an extensive service project that the Scout plans, organizes, leads and manages.

Robeson Lutheran Church is located at 3520 Plow Road, Mohnton. While there is no cost to attend the dinner, Novella is requesting that attendees register in advance so that enough food can be purchased. To reserve a spot, email Steve at smiltonf1218@gmail.com. The reservation deadline is Sunday, May 25.

Novella is also seeking donations for the upcoming dinner. Individuals may email the previously mentioned email address for more information.

Troop 543G is open to girls in sixth grade through age 17. Troop members work on merit badges, attend summer camp and take part in community service projects.

Troop 543G is part of Scouting Unit 543, which consists of three groups: Pack 543, for boys and girls in kindergarten through grade five; Troop 543, for boys in sixth grade through age 17; and Troop 543G. To learn more, join the "Scouts 543 Plowville" Facebook group.