Cupcakes are the bane of my existence. Have you ever noticed how often cupcakes appear? They are everywhere, but maybe it only feels that way if you are a child living life with Celiac Disease. Celiac Disease is an autoimmune disease, a group of conditions of which I happen to have three. Living with Celiac Disease, Vitiligo and Hashimoto's Disease has profoundly influenced my life, shaping me into the person I am today. Don't worry, it’s not all bad. The daily management of these autoimmune conditions has helped me grow into a person with resilience, empathy, and an approach to social situations that focuses on the importance of human connection. Hashimoto's Disease has impacted my energy levels and overall well-being. Managing the symptoms of Hashimoto's requires an understanding of my body's signals and a commitment to self-care. This experience heightened my empathy towards others facing “invisible” illnesses and instilled an appreciation for physical and mental well-being. Fortunately, my Vitiligo is, so far, minor and covered by my hair. Of the three conditions, being diagnosed with Celiac Disease at the age of seven has had the most influence in shaping who I am today. Elementary school is a difficult time to have food restrictions. Food and candy were regularly given out during school for students’ birthdays, at holiday parties, and as rewards for good behavior. So. Many. Cupcakes. While there were times when my parents or school were able to accommodate my dietary needs so I would not feel left out, there were countless times when there was not enough notice and I was the only one unable to participate. I believe those experiences helped me grow into a strong, resilient person with a positive mindset, who learned to enjoy activities and events for the opportunity to connect with people, rather than food. Living with Celiac Disease has given me the ability to plan and adapt to unexpected situations with grace. While growing up with food restrictions is drastically different than living with food insecurity, my experiences highlighted the need to help those who do not have enough food to eat, particularly children for whom being hungry impacts their ability to do well in school. To this end, I attempted to open a chapter of the End 68 Hours of Hunger program in my hometown. This organization provides food bags to children in need for the 68 hours between their last free lunch at school on Fridays and their next free breakfast at school on Mondays. Unfortunately, my project required school district approval, and, due to COVID, they were short-staffed and unable to take the time to hear my proposal. Determined, I pivoted and partnered with a local non-profit to open the Merrimack NH Drive-through Food Pantry. Now, in addition to helping to feed children who suffer from food insecurity, I am able to reach all members of the community who find themselves in need of food. I credit the determination and resilience I gained from growing up with Celiac Disease for my ability to recognize this need in my community and take action to help solve it. Growing up with three autoimmune diseases has shaped me into a determined, empathetic, and resilient young adult with a strong will to carve my own path and overcome challenges. This resilience has translated into a greater capacity to face adversity in all areas of my life. It has become an integral part of my identity, influencing how I navigate all of life’s challenges. I have even learned to love cupcakes, as long as they are gluten free, of course.