On Saturday, August 22, 2026, Kansas City will make history as the host of Missouri’s very first GBS | CIDP Foundation International Walk & Roll. Patients, healthcare providers, hospitals and businesses are invited to join us!
(WorldFrontNews Editorial):- Lees Summit, Missouri Jun 17, 2026 (Issuewire.com) – Organizations in Springfield and St. Louis Encouraged to Attend, Sponsor, and Bring Teams — Helping Build a Foundation for Future Walks Across Missouri
On Saturday, August 22, 2026, Kansas City will make history as the host of Missouri’s very first GBS | CIDP Foundation International Walk & Roll. Now, organizers are extending a personal invitation to organizations, healthcare advocates, businesses, and community groups across the state — from Springfield to St. Louis — to join them at Loose Park and help carry this momentum forward.
The event takes place from 9:00 a.m. to Noon at Loose Park, 5200 Wornall Road, Kansas City, Missouri 64112. It is free to attend and open to everyone — patients, caregivers, families, friends, medical professionals, and anyone who wants to make a difference for those living with rare neurological conditions.
Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS) and Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP) are rare, serious disorders in which the immune system attacks the peripheral nervous system. GBS can cause sudden, rapid-onset paralysis, while CIDP is a longer-term condition requiring ongoing treatment and management. Across Missouri, patients and families living with these conditions often face their journey in isolation, without a local community of support.
The Kansas City Walk & Roll is the first step toward changing that — and organizers hope it will inspire future walks in Springfield, St. Louis, and communities throughout Missouri.
“When my close friend Tricia was diagnosed with Guillain-Barré Syndrome and CIDP and faced complete paralysis, it was devastating. Tricia embodies a healthy lifestyle — she is a yoga teacher, a trainer of teachers, and a health coach. I watched her disappearing before my eyes until the right treatment was finally in place. I’m hosting the first GBS | CIDP Foundation Walk & Roll in Kansas City for her, and for every patient and family member who will walk this difficult path.”
— Kristin Huntley, Walk Chair, Kansas City Walk & Roll
How Missouri Organizations Can Get Involved
There are several meaningful ways for organizations in Springfield, St. Louis, and across Missouri to participate:
Bring a Team. Register a group of colleagues, staff, patients, or community members to walk together. Walking as a team is a powerful way to show solidarity with the GBS and CIDP community and raise awareness across your organization.
Become a Sponsor. Sponsorship opportunities are available for businesses and healthcare organizations at a range of levels. Sponsors receive recognition at the event and in event communications, while directly supporting the Foundation’s patient programs and research funding.
Make a Donation. Every dollar raised supports GBS | CIDP Foundation International’s mission — funding research, providing patient education, and connecting patients and caregivers to the support they need.
Spread the Word. Share this event with your networks, newsletters, and social media channels. The more Missourians who know about GBS and CIDP, the sooner patients across the state can find the community and resources they deserve.
Participation from Springfield and St. Louis organizations this year will help demonstrate statewide demand and lay the groundwork for GBS | CIDP Foundation walks in those communities in 2027 and beyond.
Register a team, make a donation, or learn more at: p2p.onecause.com/walkandroll26/event/kansas-city-walk-and-roll. Those who register by July 5, 2026 will receive a complimentary event t-shirt.
About GBS | CIDP Foundation International
The GBS | CIDP Foundation International is the world’s leading organization dedicated to helping people affected by Guillain-Barré Syndrome, CIDP, and related rare neurological conditions. Founded in 1980, the Foundation supports patients and caregivers through education, peer connections, access to medical expertise, and research funding. The Foundation has awarded more than $8 million in research grants and funded 71 researchers since 2004. For more information, visit gbs-cidp.org.
###
MEDIA CONTACTS
Kristin Huntley
Walk Chair, Kansas City Walk & Roll
816.809.2728
Zacharey Chopek
Walk & Roll Coordinator, GBS | CIDP Foundation International
Media Contact
GBS | CIDP Foundation Kansas City
8168092728
