PHILADELPHIA – The women of the La Salle softball team swapped their cleats for walking shoes as they participated in The 5^th Annual Conquer Chiari Walk Across America on September 22, 2012. The event is a series of local awareness and fundraising walks held across the country on the same day. There were 53 walks held in 35 states.

Chiari malformation is a serious neurological disorder affecting 300,000 people in the United States. Meghan Sheehan, the current manager of the softball team, suffers from the condition. The softball team took part in the event to support not only Sheehan but the thousands of people who struggle with the disease.  

In 2011, the event was held at 47 different locations, involved more than 5800 participants, and raised over $405,000. This year's event, however, was a great success as more than 8000 people participated in the walk, raising over $510,000.

All proceeds from the nationwide event are used to fund Chiari research.