Severna Park's Megan Killpatrick, Maryland’s Event Director, was diagnosed with Chiari, Scoliosis, and Syringomyelia when she was only 7-years-old. Within two weeks, Dr. Ben Carson performed her first brain surgery at Johns Hopkins Children’s Center, and a second brain surgery five months later. In between her two surgeries, Megan was fitted with her first Scoliosis brace; she now wears a brace 24-7.
This was an overwhelming and frightening time for Megan and her family. Along with raising funds for much needed research, they hope the Walk will raise awareness of the disease, so that those who are faced with the challenges of Chiari do not need to feel alone. Over the past two years, Megan herself has raised $10,000 to benefit the Conquer Chiari Foundation.
Please pre-register at www.conquerchiari.org under the Baltimore,MD Walk. Register before August 7th to receive a free t-shirt.
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About The Walk Across America
What: The Conquer Chiari Walk Across America is a series of coordinated awareness/fundraising walks being held across the country on the same day.
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When: Saturday, September 17. Registration begins at 9 a.m. Walk begins at 10 a.m.
Where: The local walk is being held at Kinder Farm Park, 1001 Kinder Farm Park Rd. in Millersville. The Walks are 1 mile and 2.5 miles. Walk at your fitness level. There will also be a Kids Can Conquer Too! field day style event for children.
Who: Everyone is invited to participate. A minimum donation of $25 is suggested. Participants are asked to pre-register on-line at www.conquerchiari.org. T-shirts will be provided to those who pre-register by 8/7 and contribute at least $25. Local contact is Patrick Killpatrick @ 443-286-7367 or ConquerChiariWalkMD@verizon.net .
Why: To raise awareness of Chiari Malformation and to raise money for valuable research. All proceeds will fund research through Conquer Chiari. In 2010 the Conquer Chiari Walk Across America raised over $330,000 with 87% of the money going directly to fund research.
About Chiari Malformation
␣ Neurological disorder where the brain descends out of the skull and puts pressure on the brain and spine
␣ Affects about 300,000 people in the US.
␣ Affects people of all ages and races.
␣ Causes a wide ranging, diverse set of symptoms, including severe headaches, neck pain, balance problems, weakness in the arms and legs, and respiratory problems.
␣ Patients often go 5 years or more before being diagnosed.
␣ Many patients undergo traumatic brain surgery to try to relieve symptoms. Surgery fails about 20% of the time and many patients require multiple surgeries.
␣ Chiari can place a tremendous strain on patients and their families.
␣ Very little federal funds have been directed towards research.
About Conquer Chiari
Conquer Chiari, known formally as the C&S Patient Education Foundation, is a 501(c)3 public charity dedicated to improving the experiences and outcomes of Chiari patients through education, awareness, and research. The Conquer Chiari website (www.conquerchiari.org) is the single most comprehensive source ofinformation available on Chiari and related topics. For more information, contact: Rick Labuda, Executive Director, director@conquerchiari.org, 724-940-0116.