A group of volunteers have formed an association in Fort Myers, for providing support and care to celiac disease patients.

The volunteers will undertake awareness drives, distribution of gluten-free goods, as well as, health tips. All the regional residents will have an access to the services.

Celiac disease is essentially an autoimmune disorder, which finds the body showing unwanted reactions with the ingestion of gluten.

Gluten is a protein present in rye, wheat, barley, and oats. The reaction with gluten deteriorates the smaller intestine and stops the appropriate assimilation of nutrients into the body.

The second meeting of the volunteers with the residents will take place on Monday, at 6:30 p.m. It will be held at Skinny Pantry, 11356 S. Cleveland Ave., Fort Myers.