Walk offers some hope for people with Chiari

Erin McGrath felt relief in the air.

The Arlington Heights woman organized the first-ever local Conquer Chiari Walk Across America on Sept. 20. It drew 175 people, all grateful to meet others affected by the debilitating neurological disorder where a part of the brain protrudes into the spinal canal.

"You could tell how much people needed this," said McGrath, who was diagnosed with Chiari malformation in 2005. "There was so much hope surrounding a seemingly hopeless condition."

More than $10,000 was raised that day for research at the Deer Grove Forest Preserve in Palatine, an amount that still has McGrath in awe.

But for the 27-year-old, money is secondary. She first wants people to become familiar with the congenital condition, which can cause pain, dizziness, weakness, loss of balance, memory loss and other cognitive defects.

At its worst, McGrath felt like she was being stabbed in the head with an ice pick. The pain was so intense she dropped out of her graduate psychology program.

It took months and several incorrect diagnoses before specialists said she had Chiari.

"By being aware, maybe there won't have to be an eight-year struggle to get correctly diagnosed and treated," said McGrath, back in school after finding an effective medication.

An estimated 300,000 Americans have Chiari, 15 of which took part in the local walk. Some are still desperately seeking successful treatment. And others found inspiration in McGrath and others who are winning their battle, such as the man in a neck brace who had brain surgery just three weeks earlier.

McGrath said many walkers were comforted to meet others affected by Chiari face-to-face and not through online message boards.

"It was important to have people there who have moved on, to be an inspiration and show Chiari isn't a death sentence," said McGrath.

Walkers wanting to keep in touch with others affected by Chiari should e-mail McGrath at chicagoconquerchiari@yahoo.com.

Go pink, fight breast cancer: Salon Two-Twenty in Palatine is again participating in Pink Hair for Hope to benefit the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

For a $10 donation, you can add a pink hair extension to your own locks. Salon employees are already sporting theirs. The fundraiser began several years ago in memory of salon owner Paula Perciabosco's sister-in-law, Donna, and thousands of dollars have been raised since then.

Pink Hair for Hope runs through Oct. 31 at Salon Two-Twenty, 220 N. Smith Road. (847) 202-4247.