To learn more about GBS/CIDP Foundation International, go to www.gbs-cidp.org
Kara Winders came out to support the first annual Walk & Roll for GBS/CIDP 5K on Oct. 12 in Covington. Winders was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome in May 2010, and wanted to support the first event in Atlanta that brought awareness for the rare disease.
“My life, my family’s life, has totally changed once I got this diagnosis,” shared Winders. The disease causes rapid muscle exhaustion and weakness making it hard for Winders and those like her to have enought energy for everyday activities. “I really wanted to support the cause and hope to spread the word about GBS.”
The 5K was the brainchild of Kimby Wragg, 15, who wanted to raise money and awareness for the disease that has affected her young step-cousin. “It was really hard to see her go through all the pain, and so I wanted to do something to raise money for this disease,” she said. Her relative, now 6, was diagnosed at the age of four.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome is an auto-immune disease that affects the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord. The disease damages myelin, the protective covering of the nerve, which can lead to numbness and even paralysis. Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy is a rare disorder of the peripheral nerves characterized by gradually increasing weakness of the legs and, to a lesser extent, the arms.
“Because these diseases are so rare, many doctors may never see a patient with GBS or CIDP, so one of the greatest challenges for patients is getting a quick and accurate diagnosis,” said Bob Nelson, deputy director of GBS/CIDP Foundation International. “If these diseases are correctly diagnosed in a timely manner, proper treatment can begin which can literally be life-saving.” Fifty percent of the cases occur shortly after a viral or bacterial infection, some as simple as the flu or food poisoning.
The race was just one of the many fundraisers that Wragg has put on to raise money for GBS/CIDP. Last year, she raised over $500 by hosting a car wash, and the race brought in over $2,000 for the foundation.
“I plan on continuing to host fundraisers and spreading the message of this disease,” she said. “It’s really important for me to be able to help others through the story of my family member.”
GBS is rare and occurs in about 1.5 people in every 100,000 people each year. Nationally, there are about 4,755 cases each year. In Georgia, there are about 149 cases each year.
“Kimby has helped us expand people’s awareness of the challenges associated with these very difficult disorders,” said Nelson. “With events like these, people who are diagnosed with GBS or CIDP find a resource in the foundation. We are able to provide one-one-one support for newly diagnosed patients, and also find support within this small community.”
In other news: SMITE Challenge for Charity raised over $12,000 for Children's Healthcare of Atlanta. Held on Oct. 5 at the Atlanta Marriot, the event was a 24-hour charity live stream of the online game SMITE that culminated in an eSports competition between the top two North American professional teams: Team Dignitas and Denial eSports. SMITE is a free-to-play game from Georgia-based developer Hi-Rez Studios.
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