My name is Erin Hillis. I want to thank all who joined us at Brooksvale Park on September 17th, 2011 for the Farmington Canal Trail 5K Walk-A-Thon, and lent their support in the fight against pediatric functional GI and motility disorders (FGIMDs). All proceeds from this event, including the $15 registration fee, went directly to support research through the DHA Children’s GI Research Network.

My family is dedicated to raising funds to support the DHA Children’s GI Research Network. This is the only nationwide network dedicated to improving the diagnosis and treatment of functional gastrointestinal and motility disorders (FGIMDs) that emerge during childhood. This network serves us locally as it includes researchers at Children’s Medical Center in Hartford and Children’s Hospital, Boston.

FGIMDs are painful, debilitating (sometimes fatal), and often chronic conditions. Quite literally, the nerves and muscles of the digestive tract do not "function" properly. I know how difficult it can be to live with one of these conditions, especially when nothing can currently be done in terms of effective treatment. My hope is that by advancing research someone else will not have to go through what I go through.

If you were not able to attend the event but would still like to support the cause, please make a donation by clicking the button below!

Special thanks to the following sponsors who helped make our event possible:

Law Offices of Richard A. Volo, LLC

Anthony & Reale Attorneys at Law

High End Landscape LLC

West Haven Medical Group, LLC