Walk and Roll event shines light on rare illness

ZANESVILLE, OH- A new event aimed at raising awareness for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, or EDS, drew local support Saturday during the first ever Walk and Roll Challenge at the Maysville Athletic Complex.

The event was organized by Share Your Stripes, a local nonprofit created by Chloe Hittle, who lives with the rare genetic condition. EDS affects connective tissue, often causing chronic pain, joint issues and skin problems, though many symptoms remain invisible to the eye.

“I think it’s important to know that Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is an invisible illness, but invisible doesn’t mean that it doesn’t exist, it just means that maybe you don’t know what you’re looking for, and if we can raise awareness to kind of teach you what to look for then it would help a lot of people to feel seen,” said Hittle.

Hittle says the event not only raised awareness, but helped her connect with others who understand the challenges.

“There were many community partnerships and that was what was so amazing, I felt like I didn’t know anyone else in the community that had Ehlers-Danlos syndrome but through doing this and trying to get sponsorships and partnering with our community it has been amazing, because I couldn’t have done this without the community support,” said Hittle.

Organizers say they plan to bring the Walk and Roll Challenge back next year. More information can be found on the Share Your Stripes Facebook page.