Community Corner

Local Conquer Chiari Walk Raises $32K

Led by a local 13-year-old with neurological disorder, walk raises more than $32,000 for the Conquer Chiari Foundation.

A Severna Park Middle student, who suffers from Chiari, organized a walk on Sept. 22 that raised more then $32,000 for the Conquer Chiari Foundation.

Megan Killpatrick, 13, suffers from Chiari—a neurological disorder that affects 300,000 people in the United States.

“What happens is part of the brain comes out of your skull a little bit and it crowds up the back of you head and puts pressure on your spine and brain,” Megan told Patch before the walk. “It causes pain and nerve damage.”

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The walk, held at Kinder Farm Park, was the second walk that Megan chaired in Millersville. The walk was one of 54 held in different locations across 35 states on the same day, according to a release from Pat Killpatrick, co-event director.

More than 500 people attended the walk at Kinder Farm Park. There were also more than 30 fellow "Chiarians" in the crowd with Megan, who were recognized with custom made purple baseball caps and purple Mardi Gras beads.

Find out what's happening in Severna Parkwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

“We can never fully express just how grateful we are to our friends and our community, who have supported our family in so many ways, for so many years," said Cheryl Killpatrick, Megan's mom. "Severna Park and our neighborhood, Shipley’s Choice, are truly a one-in-a-million place to live and raise a family."

There were more than 30 door prizes awarded at the event, and the ever-popular Ravens Raffle Basket, which included tickets to a game, brought in more than $700 for Conquer Chiari.

For more information on Chiari Malformation or to donate and help Megan in her quest to "completely conquer Chiari" visit their website.

See Also:

  • Local 13-Year-Old Joins Fight Against Chiari


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