Dylan Dreyer is proving that nothing comes before her children’s well-being—even if it means packing an entire kitchen when traveling.
The Today show meteorologist recently opened up about the challenges of managing her eldest son Calvin’s celiac disease,
revealing the lengths she goes to ensure he stays healthy on family vacations.
In an Instagram post, the mother of three shared a candid glimpse into what it takes to travel with a child who has dietary restrictions.
Alongside a photo of a suitcase packed with kitchen essentials, she wrote:
“You know what takes up a lot of space in your suitcase when traveling with celiac disease… POTS AND PANS AND GF PANCAKE MIX AND SPATULAS AND KNIVES AND CUTTING BOARDS AND SILVERWARE….”
Dylan’s openness about the realities of parenting a child with celiac disease resonated with fans, who flooded the comments with messages of admiration. “You’re a great mom, and those boys are lucky to have you,” one person wrote. Another added, “Wow! You are one heck of a mother. I admire all that you do for your oldest son.”
Calvin’s Diagnosis and the Challenges of Celiac Disease
Dylan and her husband, Brian Fichera, are parents to three boys—Calvin, 8, Oliver, 5, and Rusty, 3. Their eldest, Calvin, was diagnosed with celiac disease at the age of six after experiencing a series of concerning health issues, including abdominal pain, rashes, hair loss, and persistent headaches.
Following a medical evaluation, doctors performed an endoscopy and discovered a stomach ulcer, which led to the diagnosis of celiac disease—a lifelong autoimmune condition triggered by gluten.
Recalling the moment she learned of her son’s condition, Dylan told People:
“We were very concerned because we thought it was something much more serious because of how some of the results came back. You start Googling and thinking the worst, so 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.’ We were very grateful.”
The Difficulties of Traveling with Dietary Restrictions
For families dealing with celiac disease, dining out can be an ongoing challenge. Many restaurants do not have separate cooking utensils or dedicated gluten-free options, making cross-contamination a serious risk.
“With Calvin having celiac disease… it’s honestly all I think about,” Dylan explained in an interview with HELLO!. “All I have to do is feed kids all day long, and it’s hard to feed him sometimes.”
To ensure Calvin has safe meals while traveling, Dylan brings her own kitchen supplies—pots, pans, utensils, and even gluten-free pancake mix—so she can prepare his food in a controlled environment.
Finding a Celiac-Friendly Destination
While managing Calvin’s condition in the U.S. can be frustrating, Dylan discovered that other countries—specifically the UK—offer more accessibility for those with celiac disease.
“Kudos to Waitrose and so many of the grocery stores in the UK,” she shared. “I don’t know if [celiac disease] is not taken as seriously, but it’s more of a nuisance in the United States. You have to really hunt to find items.”
She contrasted the ease of shopping in the UK with the difficulties faced in the U.S.:
“There is such a difference, and I wish it was easier here in the United States. It’s very frustrating. So, part of the reason I want to bring my family over to the UK is because it’s just easier; it’s kind of a nuisance to have celiac disease, and it wouldn’t be as much of a nuisance over there.”
Making Life as Normal as Possible for Calvin
Dylan’s ultimate goal is to ensure Calvin never feels different because of his condition. Despite the extra effort required, she embraces the challenge wholeheartedly.
“He has no idea what I do to make his life totally normal, so he doesn’t know any different,” she told People.
Through her dedication, Dylan Dreyer continues to show that she will go to great lengths to support her son’s health—whether that means packing an entire suitcase full of kitchen supplies or searching the globe for the best gluten-free options.
