Pictured from left to right: Seegee Bachtel, Rosie Sisler, Dr. Stephanie Sisler, and Garrett County Chamber of Commerce President Andrew Fike
On Wednesday, April 10, Garrett County Chamber of Commerce President Andrew Fike presented a certificate of congratulations to Dr. Stephanie Sisler of Garrett County ASF Champions, in recognition of Garrett County’s inaugural ASF Walk and celebrating the 25th anniversary of the fundraiser.
For 25 years, the ASF Walk has been the largest annual gathering of the Angelman community. It’s the best place to connect with old friends and make new ones, while honoring loved ones with Angelman syndrome. As the ASF’s largest fundraiser, the ASF Walk has provided funding for Angelman research and family support programs that have improved countless lives.
“Receiving a life-changing diagnosis for your child is a very unique and challenging experience for any parent,” said Dr. Sisler. “The Angelman Syndrome Foundation has been invaluable to my family and I as we process the diagnosis, seek support from other families facing similar challenges, and advocate for our children in their medical and social communities. They have given our family such peace and support, and we couldn’t be more excited to support such a wonderful and impactful group!”
According to the Mayo Clinic, “Angelman syndrome is a condition caused by a change in a gene, called a genetic change. Angelman syndrome causes delayed development, problems with speech and balance, mental disability, and, sometimes, seizures. Many people with Angelman syndrome smile and laugh often. They tend to be happy and easy to excite. Delays in maturing, called developmental delays, begin between about 6 and 12 months of age. The delays often are the first signs of Angelman syndrome. Seizures may begin between the ages of 2 and 3 years old. People with Angelman syndrome tend to live close to a typical life span. But the condition can’t be cured. Treatment focuses on managing medical, sleep and developmental issues.”
Garrett County’s inaugural ASF Walk is scheduled to occur on Saturday, May 18, 2024 at Broadford Lake Park in Oakland, Maryland. Check-in is at 7:30 am. A 5K Competitive Run will be held at 9:00 am, the 1 Mile Competitive Walk begins at 9:45 am, and a 0.25 Mile Fun Walk will take place at 11:00 am. The 5K will be coordinated by Seegee Bachtel and the Walk coordinators are Dorinda Kisner and Stephanie Sisler. For more information on the event and to register or donate visit support.angelman.org/event/2024-asf-walk-md-garrett-county/e553157.
“I am super excited to be a part of Team Vincent for this upcoming ASF Champions Walk,” said Andrew Fike, President of the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce. “Part of our mission is to bring awareness of Angelman Syndrome symptoms so that more children can receive proper care and diagnosis for these special children. Vincent is my grandson and I truly cannot express the joy he brings to all of our hearts!”
The Garrett County Chamber of Commerce is the largest professional business association in the region with 500 members representing every industry in the community. The mission of the Chamber is to organize, support and represent Garrett County’s business community in advancing common interests and additionally to promote Garrett County’s hospitality and recreation industry by attracting visitors to the county through comprehensive marketing. The Garrett County Chamber also serves as the Destination Marketing Organization and Heritage Area Management entity for the County.
For more information about the Garrett County Chamber of Commerce please log onto www.visitdeepcreek.com or call 301.387.4386.
