Many different walks are made for wonderful reasons — to support friends and family, to raise awareness for various causes and to inform others of struggles and the hope that goes along with them. I would like to invite you to walk with me and other fighters and their families on Sept. 21 to raise money for Chiari research.
The Conquer Chiari Walk Across America is a series of coordinated awareness and fundraising walks being held across the country on the same day.
What is Chiari? Chiari (pronounced key-ar-ee) is a severe neurological disorder where the bottom of the brain (cerebellum) slides down into the spinal cord which causes a wide array of symptoms including: migraines, respiratory problems, muscle aches, neck pain, sensitivity to light, balance issues, weakness in the arms and legs, extreme exhaustion and/or insomnia and vertigo.
Nearly 300,000 people in the US are affected by this condition and often go five years before being correctly diagnosed. To correct symptoms, most patients undergo traumatic brain surgery to try and find relief. Some Chiari veterans have had surgery multiple times to relieve the pain.
Sadly, very little federal funds have been directed towards Chiari research, but that can change with your hope and support.
Wicker Memorial Park, located at 2000 Ridge Road in Highland, Ind., is hosting the NWI Chiari Walk on Sept. 21. Registration begins at 10 a.m. and the walk begins at 12 p.m. Participants can walk anywhere from half a mile to a 5k and are urged to walk at their fitness level.
Pre-registering online by Aug. 16 at www.conquerchiari.org guarantees you a T-shirt, which you can pick up the day of the walk. A minimum contribution of $25 is required upon sign up. Donations are also encouraged at Wicker Park on Sept. 21 to those who cannot pre-register or wish to contribute more to Chiari research.
In 2012, the Conquer Chiari Walk Across America raised over $535,000.
For more information or questions regarding the walk, please contact Tina Putnam at tina.putnam@aireyagency.com or Todd Collins at todd.collins@aireyagency.com or call (219) 650-4050. Paul will be available to take questions in the evening and can be reached at (219) 322-616 or p.dyoung@sbcglobal.net.
Conquer Chiari, formally known as the C&S Patient Education Foundation, is a public charity whose goal is to improve experiences and outcomes of Chiari patients through education, awareness, and research.