The success of last year’s Lehigh Valley Conquer Chiari walk crushed all goals set by Caity Balloch and her fellow organizers.
Chiari, a serious neurological disorder that affects about 1 in 1,000 people including Balloch’s 6-year-old nephew Aaron, is still gaining national attention. When Aaron was diagnosed with Chiari almost five years ago it was the first time she ever heard of it. It is because of this unfamiliarity the public has with this disorder that Balloch thought her first year as organizer would prove to be a tough one. F
ortunately, thanks to the generosity of Berks and Lehigh county businesses and residents, the Sept. 19, 2015 event raised more than $11,000 with almost 200 walkers in their first year. Balloch and her fellow organizers are planning on shattering those numbers for year No. 2.
On Sept. 17, 2016 the 2nd annual Lehigh Valley Conquer Chiari Walk Across America event will be taking place at Lone Lane Park in Allentown. There will be face painting, a DJ, and a raffle auction filled with donated prizes from local businesses and venues.
Balloch will also be signing up walkers and selling raffle tickets at the Conquer Chiari stand at the Hamburger Festival on Sept. 3 in Hamburg.
Last year the Conquer Chiari stand at the Hamburger Festival was a huge success not only because Balloch sold a lot of raffle tickets but because she was able to meet other family members of Chiari patients and educate them on what the non-profit does.
She hopes to connect with more families this year at the Hamburger Festival and at the Sept. 17 walk in Allentown.
The Lehigh Valley Conquer Chiari group is hoping to build on their fundraising and participation numbers each year to help make a difference in the lives of Chiari patients. To sign up for the walk, go to ConquerChiari.org and click on the Lehigh Valley walk site location.
