The Mayfield Clinic and Mayfield Chiari Center joined the fifth annual Conquer Chiari Walk Across America Sept. 22 as record numbers of participants walked in 54 separate events in support of those with Chiari malformation.
The Mayfield Chiari Center was a signature sponsor of 5k walks in Cincinnati and Louisville, and the Center provided patient education materials to the walk in Evansville, Ind.
Diane Leisgang, a member of the Mayfield Chiari Center’s Community Advisory Board, organized Cincinnati’s first Conquer Chiari walk, which drew dozens of individuals to Fernbank Park and raised more than $12,000 for Conquer Chiari research projects.
Cris Miller, another member of the Community Advisory Board, headed up the fourth annual walk in Louisville and celebrated an unprecedented turnout of 650 attendees and more than $21,000 raised.
John M. Tew, MD, Director of the Mayfield Chiari Center, took part in the Cincinnati walk and offered opening remarks. He was joined by Nancy McMahon, RN, Chiari nurse specialist; Mayfield associates Tonya Hines and Jeremy Peters; and several Advisory Board members: Mrs. Leisgang, Ashley Chance, Ray D’Alonzo, Jeff Finkeldey, and Robin Gibson. (Mr. D’Alonzo organized an earlier version of the Chiari walk several years ago.)
“It was an extremely good first Conquer Chiari walk,” said Ms. McMahon. “It was a beautiful day along the river, and there was purple and white everywhere. We had excellent support from our sponsors and wonderful raffle items and goodie bags. I was impressed.”
The national sponsor was Toyota, and the Cincinnati walk’s other signature sponsor was Cronin Ford. Local business sponsors were Bridgetown Finer Meats, Cheviot Savings Bank, Mercy Health Mount Airy & Western Hills Hospitals, Robert Jones Plumbing, Robin James Jewelry, Riverwatch, and Tide Dry Cleaners.
If you missed the walk but want to help Conquer Chiari, there is still time to donate online >>
–Cindy Starr