At the age of 5, I was diagnosed with a malformation called Chiari. Chiari malformation causes me to have constant excruciating headache pain on a day-to-day basis. This pain impacts my life to such an extent that I must self- motivate to get through the day. By not being able to participate in any physical activity, Chiari has a dramatic effect on my social life. As for my school life, it is even harder to adhere to a daily school regimen.
I have been discouraged in finding no resolution after years of enduring surgical procedures, innumerable medicine trials with life threatening reactions, and holistic approaches. Throughout this constant struggle, I learned that there is not a quick fix to all of life’s challenges. I must continue to stay strong and never give up. I realized that patience, perseverance and hope are crucial to happiness in my life.
The support of my family and friends has allowed me to find that I have more in life than just this disappointment. Throughout my life, they have provided me with courage and have supported my dream that someday things will change and my wish for a cure will be granted.
I have gotten involved with the national Chiari organization, CSF, and I am now an administrator of the By taking the time to help not only myself, but millions of others, this keeps my spirit focused in a positive direction. The lesson that I have been taught through this experience is that not all things in life are resolved with an easy solution, and strength can overcome our individual hardships. I must continue to stay strong and never give up.
Please consider paticipating and joining us at the walk or supporting us at the unite@night! It is a 1-K casual evening walk, on Friday, June 29,from 6 to 8:30 p.m. in Elmhurst at . In making this a success, we need individual or team participants, sponsors for individuals or team sponsor and corporate sponsors.
To learn more about the walk, register for the walk, or become a sponsor: https://unitenight.myetap.org/elmhurst/
Please inform all your family and friends as I want all of those who suffer from the Chiari disorder to benefit from this event!
—Melissa Naples, Elmhurst
