Ongoing and Planned Fundraisers:

Chiari Walk In Kansas Big Success
Thanks to the efforts of Sharon Coldiron, more than 25 people braved the morning cold in Wichita and raised more than $1500 for Chiari research!  The best part is that local Chiari people got to meet each other and are already planning next year's walk.

Shelby's Art

Shelby is one girl with Chiari who has decided to fight back for her and her sister.  With the help of her mom, Tina, she is using her artistic talents to raise money for Chiari research.  Shelby is selling her artwork and helping to Conquer Chiari!  You can read more about her efforts, and see her art, at:  http://ahealthytouch.com/chiari.htm

Chiari Gets A New Face On Facebook

Facebook is a popular social networking site and thanks to Casey Gray, Conquer Chiari has a new face on Facebook.

Recently Facebook introduced Facebook causes as part of their platform.  According to Facebook, "Facebook platform presents an unprecedented opportunity to engage our generation, most of whom are on Facebook, in seizing the future and making a difference in the world around us. Our generation cares deeply, but the current system has alienated us. Causes on Facebook provides the tools so that any Facebook user can leverage their network of real friends to affect positive change."

Casey, who recently had surgery, immediately thought of Chiari and put together a page for Conquer Chiari.  In addition to raising awareness, the page is a great tool for donations and Conquer Chiari has already received its first check!

To visit the Conquer Chiari Facebook page (note you have to sign up for Facebook):

Conquer Chiari Facebook

Chiari Research Walk In Ohio Raises Money And Awareness

On June 24th, Chiari patients, family members and supporters gathered in Ohio for the First Annual Chiari Walk - Ohio.  The event was a big success with a strong turn-out and over $2200 was raised for research.  Families came from near and far to raise their voices, raise awareness and raise money to Conquer Chiari.

Special thanks to the organizers, Anna Sherwood and Cristy Workman, and of course a big thanks to all those who participated by walking and raising money.

Way to go everyone!!  Hopefully this will be the first of many successful events to come.

Contents Under Pressure

Ray D'Alonzo documented his Chiari experience in an inspiring book, Contents Under Pressure, with 100% of royalties going to the Conquer Chiari campaign.  Already, Ray's book has raised thousands of dollars.

Photojournalist Raises Money Through His Work

George Weir, a professional photojournalist,  has come up with an ingenious way to get the general public involved in the Conquer Chiari effort.  In his standard contract for weddings, George offers his clients a significant discount on his usual fee in exchange for a minimum donation to Conquer Chiari (or another charity he is involved with).  George's efforts have just begun and already he has raised thousands of dollars this way.

Past Fundraisers:

Conquer For Kaya

The first annual Conquer For Kaya Golf Tournament was held in August, 2006.  Organized by Debbie Culver in honor of her granddaughter, Kaya, the event was a huge success and raised nearly $20,000 for Chiari research.  Debbie is planning an even bigger event for 2007.

CARE Walkathon

To support her teenage twins, Michele Louria organized the Chiari Awareness & Research Enhancement Walkathon, held in Michigan.  The first of what will become an annual event was held in October, 2006 and raised $1,500 for Chiari research.

Marathoners Run For Research And Awareness

In the fall of 2006, Ray D'Alonzo, Annie Sharich, and Adele Morgan each ran a different marathon to raise money for Chiari research and awareness in general.  They not only had a great time, but raised over $1,000 for research!  You can read their stories here.

4H Group Raises Washes Cars For Chiari

On July 7th, the Dark County, Ohio 4H Canine Capers joined the battle against Chiari by holding a car wash at the Grennville Kmart.  In addition to raising money, each person who got their car washed received a Conquer Chiari brochure.

The event was held in honor of Matthew, a Chiarian who was decompressed in January of this year.  Matthew's cousin, Taelor (who is a member of the 4H group, came up with the idea of a organizing a Chiari Car Wash for their community service project.

Congratulations to the Dark County, 4H Canine Capers for a job well done!!