REGISTER
SPONSOR
DONATE
TIME REMAINING
$80.00
Raised
$100,000.00
Goal
2
Donors
$99,920.00 left to reach our goal!
$100 level: Friend of ASAP
$100.00
$250 level: Brass Sponsorship
$250.00
$500 level: Bronze Sponsorship
$500.00
$1000 level: Silver Sponsorship
$1,000.00
$2500 level: Gold Sponsorship
$2,500.00
$5000 level: Platinum Sponsorship
$5,000.00
About Us
Founded in 1988, American Syringomyelia & Chiari Alliance Project (ASAP) is the oldest nonprofit in existence working to eradicate the devastating effects of Syringomyelia and Chiari malformation and related disorders.
ASAP works toward accomplishing its mission by funding research grants
Funding more than one million dollars in research grants to date, ASAP is the leading organization in the fight against Chiari and Syringomyelia. In addition to grants, ASAP also offers neurosurgical fellowships to residents wishing to conduct research or receive specialized training in the clinical management of patients with Chiari malformation and/or syringomyelia. Thanks to ASAP’s initiatives, patient care and evaluation has changed dramatically, and hereditary information is now available for patients and families.
ASAP works toward accomplishing its mission by providing education
ASAP works to educate and inform the public and health professionals on Chiari (CM), syringomyelia (SM) and related disorders. Our goals include increasing awareness, early identification of patients and a deeper understanding on the symptoms, causes, and management of the disorders. One of ASAP’s leading education and support program is the Chiari & Syringomyelia Conference held annually. The four day event brings together leading physicians and researchers, families and caregivers, patients and allied health care professionals for a unique opportunity to learn, share and exchange ideas. In addition, ASAP publishes written educational materials and provides DVD and telephone lectures on various topics of importance to the SM/CM community.
ASAP works toward accomplishing its mission by providing support
ASAP supports families and caregivers in a variety of ways including helping people locate support groups in their area, organizing virtual support groups, offering networking opportunities including a message board, listserv and chat room. Thanks to individuals working across the country ASAP is able to work toward fulfilling their mission: to improve the lives of persons affected by syringomyelia, Chiari malformation and related disorders until we find the cure.
Date
Saturday, September 19, 2026
Location
13324 Wye Oak Drive
Gaithersburg, MD 20878
Registration starts at 10:00 AM, and the walk begins at 11:00 AM
Event Details
Donate $35 or more to receive an event T-shirt! Shirt pick is at the corner of RT 28 and Wye Oak. Drive.
Due to the smaller nature of this year's event location, activities will include a fantastic silent auction, the always-popular mum sale, a ladybug release, and live music to set the mood. Children, family and friends are all welcome.
Event Organizer
This special event is made possible by the generosity and dedication of Molly and her family. Molly Lichtenstein, who serves as Secretary on the Executive Committee of the American Syringomyelia & Chiari Alliance Project, has been an inspiring force in our community. Since 2014, Molly and her loved ones have poured their hearts into organizing "Molly's Walk & Roll for a Cure" and many other meaningful fundraisers.
We are eternally grateful to Molly, her parents, brother, and the community for the tremendous success of the events over the past 12 years. We invite you to learn more about Molly's journey or reach out to her directly with any questions about the event. Your participation and support mean so much to us all.
FAQs
1. How do I begin?
Want to Participate? Click the Home option and click the Register to Walk button.
Once you have registered, you can customize and manage your own fundraising page, share your page through social media, and get sponsors.
Do you want to sponsor a walk participant? Click the Home option and scroll down to the Participants window. Search for the participant and choose to Donate on their behalf.
If you have further questions, please contact Molly Lichtenstein at [email protected] or 240-483-2395.
2. How can my donors submit payment?
Online contributions can be made by credit card on the walker's personalized page found on this website. Just make sure to tell your sponsors to select your name from the list of walkers.
3. I am concerned that I might not be able to raise the required funds. Will I be able to do it?
Even if you've never raised money before, our materials and strategies will make it easy for you to solicit and collect sponsorships from friends, family, colleagues, neighbors, and others. Experience has shown that it is not only possible, but enjoyable, to set and reach your goals. Please refer to the sample letters found on your personal fundraising page center, that explains the programs the Run supports, and you will be surprised to see how quickly friends, family, and co-workers will respond to your request to help this wonderful cause. Just remember to make it personal as well, as you want them to know that they are sponsoring YOU and YOUR efforts! And, as many companies offer charitable donation matching programs, make sure to ask your sponsors to check with their employers, as it will help you meet your goal ever more quickly.
4. Is the Walk only for Walkers?
NO! The walk is a fun day for the community with lots of activities such as a silent auction, a raffle, mum sales, a lunch, and much more!
5. Do You Walk Alone or as a Team?
Either! Participants can walk as an individual or with a team!
6. Is there a refund/exchange policy?
Yes. If a donation was made accidentally or for the wrong amount, simply make us aware of the issue and we will be happy to make any necessary refunds, changes or corrections.
7. Is parking available?
Public parking is available at walk site, no fee!
Molly's Story
Hello!
The time of year has come again. Time to raise money for ASAP! My name is Molly Lichtenstein. I am 32 years old! When I was 16, I was diagnosed with Chiari and Syringomyelia after a soccer injury that would not heal. Chiari Malformation (Arnold-Chiari) is a serious neurological disorder where the bottom part of the brain, the cerebellum, descends out of the skull and crowds the spinal cord, putting pressure on the brain and spine, causing many symptoms. Syringomyelia is a chronic progressive disease in which longitudinal cavities form, a syrinx, in the cervical region of the spinal cord. This characteristically results in wasting of the muscles in the hands and a loss of sensation.
After my first surgery at 16, I realized there was a huge lack of awareness in the medical community and the general public. That needed to be changed! From that day on, my life has changed. I have participated in and organized walks for the benefit of Chiari and Syringomyelia since 2009. Last year was INCREDIBLE!! With help from so many people, we had an awesome walk, golf tournament, tennis round robin, and an AMAZING AUCTION! We raised over $80,000!!! WE raised a total of $84,000!!! This is absolutely incredible! Your support humbles me! It makes me feel like, together, we are UNSTOPPABLE!
Since my first surgery in 2009, I have had over 60 brain and spine surgeries, and I have been diagnosed with many other underlying issues: Ehlers- Danlos Syndrome, Hydrocephalus, 4th nerve palsy, and tethered cord syndrome. You see, for the last 15 years, that number has continued to climb. I want it to STOP at 63 and never get any higher! I know that short sighted with my degenerative issues, but I want to make a difference. When I repeat about it being a tough year, it is not for sympathy, but for education. You see, I was under the impression that I would have surgery and be good as new…That was over 60 surgeries ago. I have learned a lot since then and fight with myself constantly about "my path". "We plan, God laughs!" is a slogan I truly live by. Through "failure" after "failure", I have learned that it is all part of the journey, part of MY journey. I don't understand the reasons, but I am confident that part of my "grand plan" is to raise money for research and awareness of the illnesses that have taken so much from my family and me. But, the same illnesses have also given me so much. I have learned to stop and smell the "mums," so to speak. I have learned to appreciate everyday moments. I have found my purpose and I will never take that for granted!
I want to make a change! If I can accomplish anything in life, I wish to help find a cure or a much better treatment for Chiari and its related conditions. I have realized that throughout my life, I will always have setbacks, but as long as I continue to move forward, with the help of my family and friends, anything is possible! The past year has been challenging, but it has shown me that I can genuinely do ANYTHING with Molly's Army of Angels surrounding me! Thank you for your continued support and love through this crazy thing we call life!
We will hold our walk this year on September 19th, 2026, at the corner of Wye Oak Dr and Rt. 28. Things will be slightly different this year, but I am determined to make things work! I hope to see you on September 19th!
I am passionate about furthering research in Chiari and Syringomyelia, and I look forward to "Walking and Rolling" for a cure! If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact me!
Thank you,
Molly Lichtenstein
240-483-2395
Contact Us
ASAP: The American Syringomyelia and Chiari Alliance Project
Molly Lichtenstein
240-483-2395
American Syringomyelia Alliance Project
PO Box 1586
Longview, TX 75606-1586
Office: 903-236-7079