Walk-Run-N-Roll for Transverse Myelitis Association Is 9/15/19

The 2019 Illinois “Walk-Run-N-Roll” for the Transverse Myelitis Association (TMA) will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Sunday, September 15, 2019, at Willow Stream Park, 651 Old Checker Road, Buffalo Grove, IL 60089. Registration is free. Participants can register as individuals or teams or donate at https://myelitis.org/event/2019-illinois-walk-run-n-roll/.
Participants will walk, run or roll by wheelchair “just for fun” on a one-mile paved path throughout the park. The event also will include a wheelchair basketball demonstration, a performance by the Jesse White Tumblers and educational displays.

The event co-chairs are Debra Bertolami of Algonquin, Nancy Dove of Mundelein and Barbara Williams of Evanston.

The purpose of the “Walk-Run-N-Roll” is to raise funds and awareness for the rare neuroimmune disorders addressed by the TMA, including acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), acute flaccid myelitis (AFM), MOG antibody-associated disease (MOG), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), optic neuritis (ON) and transverse myelitis (TM). AFM is the illness often described in the media as “the polio-like disease.” In 2012, an outbreak of AFM occurred in California and more cases were reported in the summer and fall of 2014, 2016, and 2018 across the United States, including Illinois.

These rare disorders affect adults and children of any age and are often difficult to diagnose. They occur when a person experiences an acute inflammatory attack that injures the spinal cord, brain or optic nerve. The attacks may be single episodes or recurrent and can cause temporary or permanent disability, paralysis and blindness, depending on the location and extent of the injury.

Most people have never heard of these disorders until they are affected. There is currently no cure but early treatment during the inflammatory stage and physical rehabilitation often improve outcomes. Donations will help fund research for the development of acute and restorative therapies and services to patients and families.

The TMA (www.myelitis.org) is based in Columbus, Ohio, and serves more than 12,700 members worldwide. Illinois volunteers organize the annual Walk-Run-N-Roll as well as support groups in the Chicago metro area.

For more information, contact Nancy Dove at (312) 316-5262 or illinoissupport@myelitis.org.