Months of mystery

Dylan Dreyer’s six‑year‑old son, Calvin Bradley Fichera, began complaining of sharp stomach pains that persisted for months. She and husband Brian Fichera went through several theories: dairy intolerance, ear infections, even incoming teeth. 
Then Calvin developed a rash and started losing hair. His stomach pain became so intense the family rushed him to the emergency room, fearing appendicitis.

The breakthrough test

Doctors ruled out his appendix. They performed an endoscopy. The exam revealed a stomach ulcer. 
Further tests then uncovered the real cause: Calvin has Celiac disease — an autoimmune condition triggered by gluten that damages the small intestine.

A life‑changing diagnosis

When Dreyer heard the diagnosis, relief followed the fear. She told PEOPLE: “We were very concerned because we thought it was something much more serious… When we found out it was celiac… I could say, ‘Okay, that’s an inconvenience. It’s a life‑change, but we can manage that.’” 
Nevertheless, the family’s home life pivoted overnight.

Kitchen over‑haul and new rules

To protect Calvin, the Dreyer‑Fichera household went completely gluten‑free. Dreyer threw out many items: wooden spoons, Teflon pans, plastic utensils, cutting boards. She explains: “Cross‑contamination is such a thing, so if I boil water in a pot that I used to make pasta in, I can’t use that pot to cook for Calvin…” 
She cleaned remaining cookware meticulously: hand‑washed in very hot water, then dishwashered, then wiped, then dishwashered again. At the same time, the school and classroom adapted: Calvin’s teacher keeps gluten‑free treats to ensure he doesn’t feel excluded.

Embracing the new normal

Despite the major adjustments, things are looking up. Dreyer reports that Calvin now has “no more pains, no more headaches, no more stomach aches.” 
She turned her kitchen into a recipe lab, making gluten‑free breads and pizza dough. Calvin surprised her when he said: “Mom, this is like the best I’ve ever had (even before).” 
Dreyer emphasises that she wants Calvin to see himself as just like any other kid. She says: “It’s a life change and my goal is to make sure Calvin sees it as no big deal.”

Why it matters

By sharing their story, Dreyer hopes to raise awareness about celiac disease — especially how its symptoms can disguise themselves as other problems and how serious the intolerance can be. 
Today, her son is thriving. He’s pain‑free, happy, and safe at the dinner table. And for a mother, that makes all the difference.