The second annual Achalasia Walk to Raise Awareness took place on Saturday, Sept. 19 at Fishtrap Creek Park in Abbotsford.
The event raised more than $1,000, which was donated to Global Genes and the Achalasia Awareness Organization.
Achalasia is a rare and incurable disease that affects the esophagus, with only palliative treatment.
Achalasia sufferers have damage to the nerves of the esophagus, which makes eating and drinking extremely difficult or impossible at times.
In addition, most suffers experience debilitating spasms that occur with little or no warning and can last for seconds, hours or days.
Most doctors have never seen a case of it. As a result, it is most often misdiagnosed, causing years of pain and struggle.
Jenine Wright, who suffers from the disease, organized the walk to show support for those with condition and raise funds for a cure.
“I have lived with achalasia for 10 years and I hope that with communities coming together to raise awareness and support research, the future for those suffering will look brighter,” she said.
For more information or to make a donation, visit http://achalasiawalk.ca/.