[WATCH] Rome Couple Raising Awareness Of Disease Many Doctors Haven’t Heard About

Nadine and Gene Horn of Rome are shining the light on a disease that many of us have never heard of and even is "little known" in the medical community.  Chiari, (pronounced kee-AR-ree), is even frequently misdiagnosed because of it's wide variety of symptoms.  The Horns' launched a local "Conquer Chiari Walk Across America" campaign last year.  They sat down with us to explain the ailment and detail their 2nd walk this fall.  Click to watch the exclusive interview.

Residents of Virginia, Nadine had been treated for migraines and headaches for some time and was getting an MRI for carpel tunnel when the technician first mentioned Chiari, a disease few doctors were treating.  Nadine says she goes through "about 50 different symptoms and that makes it difficult to diagnose."   Once properly diagnosed the Horns sought treatment and became involved in raising awareness of the disease.

About 2 years ago Gene accepted an offer to become the pastor of the Mohawk Missionary Baptist Church and the family relocated to Rome.  While Nadine's primary physician knows enough about Chiari to monitor it's progress, the closest specialist is in Syracuse.  Travelling for an extended period of time is difficult and with the closest awareness campaigns for Chiari at opposite ends of the state, Nadine and Gene decided to start their own "Conquer Chiari Walk" event.

While the 1st year brought about 100 participants to the walk, Nadine says they are "still learning and growing" as they work on planning the second event.  It will be held September 20 at Bellamy Harbor Park in Rome.  The Horns are seeking sponsors for the event as well as walkers for the one day event.  The deadline for sponsorship is July 31, with registrations needing to be completed by August 15. You can get more details on the walk at their Facebook page.  And to learn more Chiari visit the national website, where they detail the latest medical news about the disease and some of the symptoms.  Watch our interview with Nadine and Gene below and check out some photos from the 1st walk in Rome at the bottom.