We walked to Conquer Chiari!

Saturday morning we all got up early and went to the Conquer Chiari Walk that I posted about earlier this week. It was eye opening to see how many people are actually affected by this condition in our community, especially since we had never heard of it before until my mom was diagnosed. 

Leroy was ready for his photo-op, Max not so much.

We decided to have had shirts made that said "My Mom's a Zipperhead" on the front 

and the print shop printed "We HEART her" on the back for us at no charge. What a sweet surprise!
  It was fun to have Team shirts.

After the walk we had to rehydrate or should I say re-carbohydrate. Nothing like Chips and Salsa and  Cheese Enchiladas after a 5K walk!

Mark your calendars, next years the Walk will be on September 17, 2011

Conquer Chiari Walk Across America 2010

WHAT?  A series of coordinated Chiari walks held at the same time across the country.

WHERE? It is our goal to have at least one walk in each of the 50 states.  This year we have 30 walk locations.

WHEN? Saturday September 18th, 2010.  September has been named Chiari Awareness Month in several states.  In conjunction with the Walk Across America we hope to get more states to recognize September as Chiari Awareness Month.

WHY?  To raise awareness of Chiari; to raise money for vital research; and to get people involved.

In 2010 it is our goal to raise at least $300,000 for research. In 2009, more than $250,000 was raised with 90% of the money going directly to fund exciting, new research projects.

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As many of you know my mom had brain surgery a year ago for Chiari Malformation. I am happy to report that her Doctor said she had a "textbook" surgery and "textbook" recovery. She is doing GREAT. Needless to say me and my family will be there to support the cause.  

If you can this weekend (9/18/10) go out and support the Conquer Chiari Walk Across America! 

Participation is FREE at the Cibolo, TX walk. T-shirts are available with a minimum donation of  $25.

For more information regarding the Cibolo, TX walk, to register as a walker, or to sponsor a walker, email Trinette Drake at tldrake14@att.net  , call 210-204-9340 or visit: www.conquerchiari.org  

Chiari Malformation: structural defects in the cerebellum, the part of the brain that controls balance. When the indented bony space at the lower rear of the skull is smaller than normal, the cerebellum and brainstem can be pushed downward. The resulting pressure on the cerebellum can block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid (the liquid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord) and can cause a range of symptoms including dizziness, muscle weakness, numbness, vision problems, headache, and problems with balance and coordination. There are three primary types of CM. The most common is Type I, which may not cause symptoms and is often found by accident during an examination for another condition. 

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