The first-ever International Chiari Walk will take place on Sunday, Sept. 16. Today is Part 3 of a three-part series where ICA Founder/President Pete Dal Bello will answer three frequently-asked questions about the walk.

Dal Bello answers three questions about the walk below:

1. Will Courage the Bear be a part of the International Chiari Walk?

Yes, the mascot will be walking at our Chiari Awareness Celebration in Santa Barbara, Calfornia. The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 16, at Elings Park. This is our first major awareness and fundraising event and will feature food, drinks, live music, interactive demonstrations, booths, raffle, silent auction and much more. The walk will take place right after the opening remarks at the beginning of the event.

Admission, parking and the walk are all FREE.


2. What about those that can't walk, or are too ill to leave the hospital or their home?

People that battle the toughest lives have the greatest courage. That is why there are private walks, whether they are solo or walks with family and/or friends. Or people can also promote Chiari Awareness by wearing purple in their wheelchair, home or even a purple ribbon on their hospital gown.

Many people don't know that if I didn't have decompression surgery on May 11, 2009, I would be writing this from a wheelchair. This is among the many reasons why I am concerned that everyone can participate. I can't walk two or three miles, but I'm grateful that I can walk. I also admire the strength and courage of those that aren't as fortunate.


3. Any final comments?

I hope that everyone participates in the International Chiari Awareness Walk. If they have Chiari or if they care about someone that has this serious neurological disorder. This is a big moment in Chiari History when people in different countries throughout the world will be wearing purple and walking on the same day to promote Chiari Awareness.

This has never happened before. Just think, one day you'll be able to look back and tell people that you were a part of an historic event that involved people throughout the world.

In the U.S., this walk will be FREE. If they would like to donate online, they can do so by visiting our web site. There will be no donations taken at any of the U.S. walk sites.

I would be honored if everyone participates, whether it is hosting a walk or participating in one. Even if there are many solo walks, they are also important. Remember, so many Chiarians (myself included) know what it is like to walk alone in our own Chiari Journey.


For more information on hosting and/or participating in a walk, please e-mail Dal Bello at pete@ChiariAssociation.org . Please put "Chiari Walk" in the subject line.