Jason:

When reflecting on the importance of our work at WEHI, I often think about Jessica, her husband Mitchell, and their daughter Rubika, whose journey with coeliac disease reminds me why our research matters.

Jessica, a former Australian karate champion, and Mitchell, one of cricket’s most formidable fast bowlers, are the definition of determination. We first crossed paths when, instead of presents for their joint 40th, they asked friends to donate to our coeliac research.

That alone was inspiring. But then Jessica told me Mitchell was literally stepping into the boxing ring to fight for our cause.

It wasn’t just any charity match. Mitchell was up against a fighter nicknamed “The Hulk.” Of course, I was worried. But the image of a father putting on boxing gloves to fight for his daughter’s health – that kind of love and courage – inspires me daily.

Coeliac disease is one of the most common autoimmune illnesses, affecting over 350,000 Australians. Untreated, it can lead to serious complications like liver disease, infertility and even cancers such as lymphoma.

Yet, it doesn’t receive the same level of funding as other major diseases.

That’s why people like Jessica and Mitchell are important. Their efforts have provided crucial funds that have allowed us to undertake a range of new studies.

One of our most exciting breakthroughs is a blood test that could revolutionise how we diagnose coeliac disease. The current process is far from ideal, often requiring weeks of gluten consumption that makes patients sick, while the ‘gold-standard’ gastroscopy with biopsies, is costly and invasive.

Our blood test offers real promise as a simpler alternative. Our studies show it can detect coeliac disease accurately in people already on a gluten-free diet. If we can eventually make this widely available, it would be a game-changer for many families.

We’re also working to improve the lives of people like Rubika who deal with the challenges of coeliac disease daily. We’re investigating treatments that could reduce symptoms and even block the harmful immune effects of gluten entirely. We are learning about what triggers coeliac disease, to find ways to prevent it.

I dream of a future where people with coeliac disease are diagnosed early and easily, and have a range of safe treatment options that are less burdensome and more effective than a lifelong gluten free diet.

And one day, I hope to say to Jessica: “We can now let Rubika safely enjoy gluten in her diet.”

That’s the future we’re fighting for.

Jessica:

Our lives changed in a big way when my daughter Rubika was diagnosed with coeliac disease.  

Every supermarket visit now involves scrutinising food labels to avoid barley, rye, oats and wheat. In the kitchen, we’ve replaced cooking utensils, boards and toasters to make our house fully gluten free.  

Out of the house, there are challenges with lunchboxes, school events and play dates. With birthday parties, we always take our own food. Eating out and travel are challenging because of cross contamination. Even the tiniest crumb of gluten makes Rubika double-over with cramps. 

It’s heartbreaking for a child to miss out all the time, to always feel different and to be so heavily restricted when it comes to eating.  

My mind is 200% on overdrive about food – planning every meal, double-checking labels, the knot in my stomach walking into restaurants – it wears you down in ways you don’t fully appreciate until it is your reality.  

But things are getting easier. Rubika’s friends make a lot of effort to cater for her and the school accommodates where possible. There are also helpful apps now like Find Me GF.  

We chose WEHI because it was researching a cure for coeliac disease. Jason reached out to us after we made our donation. He’s kept us in the loop with his research and has invited us to visit the lab.   

As an elite sportsperson, I imagine the commitment of a researcher is similar – you put years of work, dedication and sacrifice into achieving your goals and it’s deeply satisfying when you achieve them.  

However, Jason’s research is something greater than a sporting achievement. It’s something that is deeply impactful for millions of people, and that’s truly special.   

 If a cure or therapy is discovered, it would be life-changing for Rubika – and for our family. Being able to eat freely, without fear, would be the greatest gift.  

I’m dreaming of the day when my girl can go to a party and I can say, “Eat whatever you want!” 

 Mitchell and I are both very blessed and have everything we need. The one thing we want, is to help find a cure for coeliac disease.    

 If you’re in the position to support brilliant minds like Jason’s, either through donations or by fundraising like we did, imagine being able to say: “I was part of finding a cure that helped millions of people.”  

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Header image: Clinician-scientist Assoc Prof Tye-Din in the WEHI lab and Australian karate champion, Jessica Johnson.