Zebra Walk to support those with immune deficiencies

Patients with "Bubble Boy" and related primary immunodeficiency diseases from the Chicago area will join others across the U.S. in a walk to raise awareness and research funding for a disorder that often leaves patients constantly battling illnesses without knowing why.

The second annual Walk for Primary Immunodeficiency is Saturday, Oct. 25, at Cantigny Park, 1S151 Winfield Road, Wheaton. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., with the opening ceremony at 9:35 a.m. and the walk at 10 a.m.

The theme of the walk is "Think Zebra!"

In medical school, doctors learn the saying, "When you hear hoof beats, think horses," and are taught to focus on the likeliest possibilities when making a diagnosis, not the unusual ones. However, sometimes physicians need to look for a zebra when they hear hoof beats.

Patients with primary immunodeficiency diseases are the "zebras" of the medical world, with malfunctioning or missing immune systems. They are highly susceptible to illnesses and require regular infusions or bone marrow transplants to survive.

Many people have primary immunodeficiency but are unaware of it and battle constant illness before they get a firm diagnosis and treatment.

The one-mile walk in Wheaton will serve as an opportunity for patients, their families, their supporters and the general public to raise money to support the Immune Deficiency Foundation and awareness about primary immunodeficiency diseases.

There are more than 200 types of primary immunodeficiency - some are relatively common and others are quite rare. There are roughly 250,000 people diagnosed with PI in the U.S., but thousands more go undetected. Because primary immunodeficiency can lead to serious and debilitating diseases, it is critical to get an early diagnosis and proper medical care.

"Walk for PI continues to expand across the country and serves as a great conversation starter for our community to educate the public about important issues," said Marcia Boyle, Immune Deficiency Foundation president and founder.

"We want to be sure everyone is aware of the need for all members of a community to be immunized. This helps protect people with compromised immune systems, including PI patients. We also need to share the warning signs of PI with the public so that people who may have one of these diseases and not realize it can get the diagnosis and care they need."

Walk participants can organize or join a team or register as an individual. Registration is available for walkers and non-walking supporters. For information and registration, visit walkforPI.org/chicago or call (800) 296-4433.