To whom it may concern,

heads Chiari Malformation is a serious neurological disorder where the bottom part of the brain, the cerebellum, descends out of the skull and crowds the spinal cord, putting pressure on both the brain and spine and causing many symptoms. It can strike children and adults and cause crippling headaches, neck pain, balance problems, trouble breathing, numbness and weakness in the limbs, and a host of other problems. To date there has been very little research on Chiari and fundamental questions regarding its underlying cause, diagnosis, and treatment remain unanswered. It is estimated that Chiari affects over 300,000 people in the US.

The Conquer Chiari Walk Across America is an annual fundraising and awareness event comprised of a series of local walks held on the 3^rd and 4^th Saturday in September. In 2023 the event was held both live & virtually involving thousands of participants and raised more than $300,000 for research and other patient centered programs. We are proud to say that, to date, we have invested over $5 million into Chiari research.

I took a personal interest in this event because: My son Branden Witt was diagnosed at age of 4 years old with Chiari Malformation and Basilar Invagination. We knew nothing at all about this disease, and we were taught very quickly as many tough decisions had to be made. He had brain surgery with a neck fusion in 2016, which is how we began the journey of raising money and awareness for this cause. He is 13 years old now and doing wonderful, but not all Chiari warriors are as lucky. If, what we do can help even one person then the journey we were faced with at his young age of four is well worth it.

The 17^th annual event will take place on September 21^st and 28^th, 2024 across the US. Our local event will be held on September 28^th at Westchester Commons. Shopping Center, 15786 WC Main St, Midlothian, VA 23113. We are requesting any form of sponsorship or donation available to raise funds for our local walk.

Conquer Chiari, known formally as the C&S Patient Education Foundation, is a 501(c)3 public charity dedicated to improving the experiences and outcomes of Chiari patients through education, awareness, and research. The Conquer Chiari website www.conquerchiari.org is the single most comprehensive source of information available on Chiari and related topics. Our Tax ID: 20-0904691

Thank you for your consideration,

Carol Witt

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