HUNTINGTON -- Organizers hope an October walk will raise awareness of an autoimmune disease that is often misdiagnosed or not diagnosed at all, according to experts.

The Making Tracks for Celiac walk is scheduled to begin at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 12, at Ritter Park. Registration begins at 1 p.m. with live entertainment.

The event is important to spreading the word about the disease that affects the small intestine when wheat, barley, or rye are consumed, said Dr. Yoram Elitsur, professor of pediatrics and director of the gastroenterology department at Marshall University.

Three million Americans are reported to have the disease, but more than 2.9 million don't know it, according to the West Virginia Gluten Intolerance Group.

Elitsur said symptoms used to be more severe and obvious, but are now much subtler.

Sometimes people with irritable bowel syndrome or other illnesses actually have celiac disease, said Karen Daniel of Hurricane who leads an area support group and has a daughter with the disease.

"A lot of people don't know what it is," she said. "We're hoping people can become more familiar with what the symptoms are."

While there are no typical signs of celiac disease, most people with the disease have general complaints, according to information from the Mayo Clinic. Such complaints include intermittent diarrhea, abdominal pain and bloating. Symptoms can also mimic those of other conditions, such as irritable bowel syndrome, gastric ulcers, Crohn's disease, parasite infections, anemia, skin disorders or a nervous condition.

Celiac disease may also present in less obvious ways, including irritability or depression, anemia, upset stomach, joint pain, muscle cramps, skin rash, mouth sores, dental and bone disorders, and tingling in the legs and feet.

Daniel said funds from the walk will go to continue to increase awareness, including getting information into doctors' offices and making care packages for newly diagnosed patients.

Elitsur has been involved in awareness events for the past several years, including free screenings and presentations.

"We're trying to really get the population involved," he said.

The walk costs $15 a person or $40 for a family.

More information is available by calling Karen Daniel at 304-757-0696 or visiting www.orgsites.com/wv/wvgig.

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