Community Corner

Rare Disease Leads Colts Neck Sisters to Walk for a Cause

The run/walk will be held at Colts Neck High School on Oct. 12, registration begins at 8 a.m.

Caroline Harris was used to going to doctors. She suffers from food allergies, and a rare allergy to cold temperatures called Cold Urticaria. But when she was a freshman at Colts Neck High School, her health took a turn for the worse.

By sophomore year, Caroline was diagnosed with Eosinophilic Gastritis, caused when the Eosinophil increases in high numbers and attacks the stomach lining.

"I also began having severe painful stomach attacks where my stomach would actually feel like it was turning on itself," Caroline said. "Despite having a very well balanced, healthy diet of fruits and vegetables with lean meats."

Caroline, 17 and a senior at Colts Neck High School, said she remembers being "so weak she could barely stand," having a hard time even lifting her arms to brush her hair.

"With all honors classes, and just having made the CNHS Girls Varsity Volley Ball Team, I was determined to fight this diagnosis head on!"

Caroline and her twin sister Emily immediately began researching the disease, after being told doctors could only treat Caroline's condition, but not cure it.

What ever the reason for this over stimulation, and production or under-regulation of Eosinophils, we just need to know the trigger/cause, and then we are halfway there. The cure will soon follow," Emily said.

The Harris sisters found the Cincinnati Center for Eosinophilic Disorders in their research, where leaders in the field are working for a cure. Now, the twins are looking to contribute to the research by fundraising locally.

"They have a designated research center just for Eosinophilic Disorders. And with their 'Giving Hope Program' one can easily start a charity fundraiser whereby all donations are directed to your specific fundraiser."

The Step by Step 5K run/walk to benefit EG gives participants a chance to walk with the Harris' toward a cure, Caroline said. One hundred percent of the donations will benefit the CCED.

"Our goal is to get as much community support, and involvement to make this fundraiser a true success with a significant donation."

The run/walk will be held at Colts Neck High School on Oct. 12, registration begins at 8 a.m.

"It was last spring, after Caroline had received some disappointing results from her doctor that her EG had worsened despite being on oral steroids, we decided to be proactive in trying to find a cure for EG," Emily said.

Participants should pre-register with a donation of $20 pre-race day by going to the "Step by Step" website, or will be able to register with a donation of $25 on race day.

Registration fees can be made by credit card directly on our website, or by mail-in with a check. All pre-registered participants will receive a complimentary gift bag.

Right now, sponsors and vendors are much needed.

"Anyone who runs/walks or just supports our 5k fundraiser, will be moving with us towards a cure. Its all about moving forward in a positive way," Caroline said.

Keep an eye out on Patch for updates on the walk, and how you can help, through Caroline and Emily's posts to our Board.

Caroline and Emily would like to thank Mrs. Bruno and the entire Colts Neck High School administration for not only approving this fundraiser as a National Honor Society supported event, but as an “annual” CNHS school sponsored charity event.

Any student who participates by running/walking will be eligible for much needed community service hours. Community service hours are required for such things as girls/boys scouts merit badges, the sacrament of Confirmation, and for National Honor Society membership requirements in high school.


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