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Walkathon to educate, raise funds in fight against scoliosis

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By Cheryl  Bentley | The Suncoast News

Published: May 10, 2008

SUNCOAST NEWS STAFF

EAST LAKE - A walkathon will both educate about the spinal deformity scoliosis and raise money for research.

The third annual "Sweep Across America for Scoliosis," a 1.5 mile walkathon, will take place Sunday, May 18, in John Chesnut Park, 2200 East Lake Road.

The event is part of a national fundraising campaign for the Scoliosis Association, a nationwide information and support group based in Boca Raton.

According to Debra Ordes, president of the Palm Harbor chapter of the Scoliosis Association, about 3 percent of the population has scoliosis, a congenital curvature of the spine. About 60,000 people on the Suncoast suffer from the condition.

Ordes' scoliosis was detected when she was 12. At 13, she underwent her first surgery. Two other operations would follow to limit additional curvature. "If the curve progresses, it can lead to heart and lung problems," she noted.

The $10 registration fee includes T-shirt, prize drawings, children's activities, food and beverages.

Early registrants can participate in a contest to raise money for both research and the Scoliosis Association. Prizes for top fund raisers are a $1,075 package at a portrait studio, a weekend getaways at TradeWinds Island Grand Beach Resort, in St. Pete Beach, and a gift package of salon products and services.

Registration begins at 9 a.m. May 18. The event is from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

For more information call 727-271-0712, or e-mail

spinewalk@yahoo.com.

Cheryl Bentley can be reached at 727-815-1069 or at cbentley@suncoastnews.com.

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