Through many generous donations and volunteer efforts, Chiari research and additional networking was accomplished throughout the afternoon in a positive atmosphere at Wicker Park in Highland. Walk sites all around the United States participated in this wonderful event—all at the same moment.
With the help of the Airey Financial Group (Merrillville), Cyndi Vanek was able to pass the torch of the Northwest Indiana’s Chiari Walk to Genay Airey and her dedicated team. Vanek is very happy to see that the Chiari walk has become a staple for support and awareness for those in NWI.
“I love seeing all the support this event generates. It always seems there is a sea of new faces every year and that means a lot to me. Family and friends come to Wicker Park each year out of the love they have for someone who is diagnosed with Chiari. I’m so thankful for all the ties that all of us make here,” Vanek said.
Genay Airey’s daughter, Kirsten, conquers Chiari every day and is still able to enjoy so much without having decompression surgery, a common term for any of several variations of a surgical procedure to alleviate a Chiari malformation. Her cheery outlook on life is so refreshing to those who suffer from the same chronic illness and she is a huge blessing to her family.
“Kirsten really helps me grow and learn everything I need to assist her as best as I can. She goes through a lot emotionally and physically and still continues to be strong. She is everything to me and someone that will make a huge difference in the future; I am so proud of her,” Airey said.
The welcome speech was lead by Carey Yukich and Todd Collins of Airey Financial Group. Yukich is also involved in the Altitude Volleyball Club as the Head Coach and Recruiting Coordinator. Theresa Hopper vocally performed “Something Beautiful” by NeedtoBreathe before walkers went on their journey around the beautiful park.
Music was provided by DJ Chester Colvin of C & D Music throughout the day and event photography was taken by Amy Hutchison (Amyelle’s Fine Photography).
In addition to all of this action, door prizes, raffles, balloon art (provided by It’s My Party), coloring tables, and a silent auction were enjoyed by all. Many sponsor and donor products were bid on by participants of the event and announced at the end of the awareness ceremony.
Rick Labuda, founder of the Conquer Chiari (Non-Profit Organization), made this event possible all across the country and that is a huge blessing in itself to all Chiari fighters.
As an avid supporter and fighter of Chiari, I loved everything that occurred during this wonderful event and I am so thankful for everyone I met. It was amazing to see how many people are really involved in spreading awareness all around the world.
Volunteers of the event included: survivors, their friends and family, Kohl’s, Dollars for Scholars, the National Honor Society (Lake Central and Highland), Cyndi Vanek (donated her Chiari Walk poem and also was the original founder of the walk site in Highland), Paul DeYoung (for his continued support), and Tammy Riffle-Pack (Director, Business Development & Marketing at Pinnacle Hospital).
From Airey Financial Group: Genay Airey recognized Helen Gabriel, Kathleen Sudac, Carey and John YuKich & family, Todd Collins, Marie Laliberte, Debbie Pressley, Annie Kotecki, Mary Tabbert, Dave Tabbert, Tony Airey, Kirsten Airey, and Tina Putnam & family.
Corporate Sponsors: Frank J Mrvan/North Township/Wicker Memorial Park, Strack & VanTil Food Market – Ultra Foods, Airey Financial Group, Alkon Consulting Group Inc., Art Hill Ford Lincoln Mazda, Artim Industrial Property, Baxter Printing Inc., BMV of Schererville, Calumet Contractors Supply Co., Centier Bank, Corporate Connection Consultants, Craighead (Lange and Hough) PC, Dr. Georgene Collins, East Wind Acupuncture, Gurgevich & Associates, Horizon Bank, Kauffman Chiropractic PC, King’s Heating A/C & Refrigeration, Kolas Christian Bookstore, La Quesadilla, Laciak Accountancy Group PC, M & M Car Care Center Inc., Michael V. Riley Attorney, Popa Heating & Cooling, Providence Bank, Radcliffe Family Dental LLC, Texas Corral Restaurants Inc., The Crown Town Grill, Top Flite Financial Inc., The Hearing Place, Vein and Laser Institute.
Corporate Donors: Abuelo’s, Accent Dental, Accents on 45th, Accessory Closet, ArcelorMittal, Black Stone Woodfire Grill, Brain Godfrey (Head Golf Pro) Long, Beach Country Club, Brumm’s Bloomin’ Barn, Buddy & Pals Place, Butcher Block, C & D Music (Chester Colvin- DJ), Cold Stone Creamery, Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant, Costco, Datagraphics-Chesterton, Dairy Queen, Don Pablo’s Mexican Restaurant, Dunkin’ Donuts, East Wind Acupuncture, Easy Clean Car Wash, Foodie’s Marketcafe, Frank J. Mrvan-North Township, FunFlatables, Gary South Shore RailCats, Gelsosomo’s Pizza, GlowGulf, Great American Bagel, Great Clips, Healing Arts Center LLC, Heartland Food Corp, Hoosier Highlander, Hooters, Houlihans, Howard & Sons Meat Market, IHOP restaurant, Indianapolis Colts, It’s My Party, Jelly Pancake House, Joe’s Crab Shack, Kohl’s, Kwik Kopy Printing, Les Brothers Pancake House, Lia Sophia-Kristen Airey, Man Cave Barbars, Maruszczak Appliance Inc, Mary & Martha Home Accents, Memo’s Mexican Cuisine, Mrs. Domberg’s Culinary Experience, Oil Express, Olive Garden Italian Restaurant, Omni Health and Fitness Connection, OneAmerica, Pop’s Italian Beef & Sausage, Priority Fitness, Red Lobster, Ridge Cyclery, Rob’s Meat Chop & Deli, Round the Clock Restaurant, Rosati’s Pizza, Simko Signs, St. Julian Winery, Star Plaza Theatre, Starbucks, Strack & VanTil Food Market, Stephano’s Pizzeria, Texas Roadhouse, Thrifty Kleen, Turkey Creek Golf Course, Vanis Salon & Day Spa, Von Tobel Lumber & Hardware, Walmart, Wendy’s, Woodmar UMC Community, Preschool, Zao Island.