On Saturday, Sept. 28, Wilsonville residents can grab their sneakers and participate in the 2024 Conquer Chiari Walk Across America.
The event will take place at the Memorial Park Forest Shelter, with registration beginning at 8:30 a.m. and the walk starting at 10 a.m. It is part of a series of walks across the country to raise funds and awareness for Chiari, a neurological disorder in which the brain extends out of the skull towards the spine. According to a press release, the disorder affects over 300,000 people nationally and can cause symptoms including severe headaches, neck pain, issues balancing and more.
Between in person and virtual “walk” options, the 2023 walk across America raised $300,000 for research and patient-centered programs, according to the press release. Since its inception in 2008, the walks have raised $6.4 million.
The walk is put on by Conquer Chiari, an organization working to improve the experiences of Chiari patients. Taylor Gustafson, Oregon representative of the organization, said the disorder tends to be known only by those with a personal relationship to someone who has it.