Last weekend, I participated in the fifth annual Conquer Chiari Walk at Garvin Park. I met many families who have been affected by Chiari malformation, and I was pleased that so many people from our community could make it out to show their support as well. For those who aren’t familiar with Chiari malformation, it is a neurological condition that causes debilitating headaches, neck pain, weakness and numbness in the limbs, balance problems, visual disturbances and a host of other symptoms. Chiari malformations are located at the base of the skull and occur when part of the brain, the cerebellum, descends out of the skull into the spinal area. This results in the compression of parts of the brain and spinal cord disrupting the normal flow of cerebrospinal fluid (a clear fluid which bathes the brain and spinal cord). Chiari malformation is a serious neurological disorder that affects more than 300,000 people in the U.S. During the 2011 legislative session, I authored a resolution recognizing September as Chiari Malformation Month in Indiana. I did so after I was contacted by Valerie Ferguson, who lives in our community, asking for assistance to help support her and others with Chiari. I think the resolution was just the first step to show support for the victims and families who face challenges in their daily lives as a result of this debilitating disease. My heart goes out to the victims and the families affected by this disease. I hope that over time I, along with others in the community, can continue to work to raise awareness about Chiari malformation and to support the research being done to help those affected by it. According to the Conquer Chiari website, one person out of 1,000 has a Chiari malformation. So if you’d like to learn more about Chiari malformation or support the Conquer Chiari cause, please visit www.conquerchiari.org. -30-
State Rep. Suzanne Crouch (R-Evansville)
Editor’s Note: Please see the attached photo of (from left to right): State Rep. Wendy McNamara (R-Mt. Vernon), Valerie Ferguson, Evansville Mayor Lloyd Winnecke, and State Rep. Suzanne Crouch (R-Evansville). Crouch Capitol Connection, Conquer Chiari Walk helps supports victims and families, 9-28-12.doc |
