2022 | 10th Annual Chiari Golf Tournament

Carter’s Chiari Conquerors | Cannon Falls, MN – Carter was diagnosed with Chiari at 10 months old in 2011. He had nearly every symptom but it took multiple doctors, surgeries and procedures to finally have the correct diagnosis. He underwent a Chiari Decompression in Feb of 2012 from that moment on his family wanted to make a difference in the Chiari Community.

The Chiari Golf Tournament was created to honor Carter and raise funds for research in his honor. The first tournament was held in 2013 and has been held every summer since.

Carter Chiari Conquerors has raised more than $50,000 since 2013!

Cody & Alyssa Baltusevich | The Belle of the Baltusevich raised $2,350

In lieu of wedding gifts, we invited our guests to share in a charity that the two of us hold close to our hearts.

Conquer Chiari, is the world's largest non-profit focused on Arnold Chiari Malformation research. Conquer Chiari hits close to home for Cody and I as I was diagnosed with Arnold Chiari Malformation in 2012 and have subsequently underwent two brain surgeries to manage the associated symptoms. The diagnosis was a relief because that meant their was a means to improve how poorly I had been feeling for so long. After undergoing my first surgery as a senior in high school, I knew I wanted to go into the medical field, specifically to become a nurse anesthetist as these were the professionals who calmed a very nervous teenager down going back to her first surgery. I am happy to say that with the unconditional support of my husband, I am now a nurse anesthetist after completing a bachelor’s degree in nursing and a doctorate in nurse anesthesia. I love getting to care for the most vulnerable people through the operative period and have even provided anesthetic services for surgical cases of the same neurosurgeon who operated on me (It’s amazing how everything comes full circle in life). Donating to an organization that has and will continue to positively affect people like me was all the two of us could have wanted as a wedding gift.

2017 | 2nd Annual "Walker Cup"

Kim De Haan and Jon Perz | Michigan The Annual Walker cup has raised $1,670!

A few years ago my sister was diagnosed with Chiari Malformation and, just last year my little cousin was as well. Having never heard of this ourselves we all helped in researching this unknown ailment. Even as we found out how rare Chiari is we were all shocked when we had to tell doctors how to spell it. After watching all the struggles my sister and cousin have gone and continue to go through, we wanted to do something to help. Last year was the first year we did a Fundraiser and after the first day we decided this would become an annual part of the Walker Cup Tournament. If for nothing else, at least we could help to raise awareness.

The Walker Cup is an annual adult hockey tournament in July that takes place at Walker Ice and Fitness Center. Each weekend is a different bracket/division according to the player’s skill level. This was the breakdown of this year:

July 7-9th Silver, Division Champions: Great Lakers

July 14-16th Gold, Division Champions: GR Bandits

July 21-23rd Bronze, Division Champions: Wolverine

July 28-30th Co-Ed, Champions: Backdoor Bandits

Each Saturday we had a cookout during the break between games so that everyone could relax and meet players from other teams. We also had shirts available, one style feature our generous sponsors and the other was the Chiari style and said "Keep Calm and Conquer Chiari". Displayed along with the shirts and trophies we had basic facts, Conquer Chiari flyers and in depth descriptions and pictures of what having this means.

Our main goal is to ensure a fun, safe tournament and raise at least an awareness of Chiari.

This year we were blown away by everyone's generosity (And by how many people really wanted to learn more) and are so pleased to report we have raised a total of $930!

2016 | 4th Annual "Smashing Chiari" Softball Tournament

Tonya Barrows & Family | Queensbury, NY- The 4th Annual "Smashing Chiari" Softball Tournament was held on September 10th, 2016 and raised $6,400! Overall the event has raised $20,832 for Chiari research! The family holds both "Smashing Chiari Softball" and "Jake's Fishing For a Cure" annually!

Jake's Story: Jacob was diagnosed August of 2012 at the age of 8 with Chiari Malformation Type 1. From the age of two, we knew something was just not right. He lost vision in his left eye for awhile, he had speech and fine motor delays, chronic ear infections, balance/coordination issues, and the list continues. By the age of four, he was having severe memory loss and staring spells. I was first told he had a stroke in utero. After the MRI, it was determined he did not and they were unsure of what was going on and would keep a close eye on him. (They missed the Chiari!) During the winter of 2012, he started getting crippling headaches and by the spring, we were sent to a specialist in Schenectady, NY. After another MRI he was diagnosed and it was quickly determined surgery was his only option. Dr. Adamo at Albany Medical Center did the surgery February 7, 2013.

After we left the neurologist office in August 2012, our lives changed forever. The research began and I was on a mission for some answers. The doctor did not read his MRI correctly when he was four and my baby had to suffer for four more years. As I researched this, I found we were not alone. There's not enough awareness or information out there for Chiari.

I'm not someone that sits back and watches things happen. Losing is not an option and this is not going to control my sons life. I'm a big softball enthusiast and have played in several charity softball tournaments so I thought that would be a great way to raise awareness in our area and some money for research.