HUNTINGTON -- Walkers can help raise awareness and funds for celiac disease at the Making Tracks for Celiac event on Sunday, Aug. 29, at Ritter Park. Registration begins at 1 p.m., followed by the treasure hunt walk at 2 p.m.

"What we really want to do is increase awareness. My daughter was diagnosed 10 years ago at the age of six. At the time, there were no support groups, no places to buy the special foods she needed and no one to turn to for help," said Karen Daniel, who leads the support group for the local chapter of the West Virginia Gluten Intolerance Group. "We just want to help other people so they won't have to go through what we went through, and give them an event to come out and talk to others so they realize they're not alone."

Celiac disease is an autoimmune disorder affecting one in 133 Americans. Celiac affects the small intestine when wheat, barley or rye are consumed. According to Daniel, three million Americans have the disease, with 97 percent undiagnosed.

Sponsored by Cabell Huntington Hospital and the West Virginia Gluten Intolerance Group, Sunday's event will feature entertainment, inflatables and a dunking booth at 1 p.m.; the walk at 2 p.m.; and a pig roast with gluten-free side dishes at 3 p.m.

"We're trying to make it a little entertaining as well as educational," Daniel said. "It's also a big weight off the shoulders to have this gluten-free meal because even something like going out to eat is a very difficult thing to do.

"To be able to sit back, relax and enjoy yourself, that's what we want people to do."

Cost is $15 per person or $40 per family and includes food, T-shirts for the first 125 registered and a raffle ticket for a chance at prizes including gift cards and iPod Shuffles. Proceeds will be used to offer free screening opportunities to high-risk patients, provide doctors with educational materials, offer care packages to newly diagnosed patients and expand the celiac disease awareness campaign. Last year's walk, attended by more than 100 people, generated $7,500.

For more information or to register, visit http://www.orgsites.com/wv/wvgig/.

National Video