Walk will help fight Williams Syndrome

In her 17 years, Keeley Wilson has endured the problems of Williams Syndrome.

She has limited speech and has developmental difficulties.

But Keeley has maintained her upbeat look on life.

Nothing makes her happier, though, than talking about two events that will raise money for the Williams Syndrome Association a group that enriches the lives of individuals and families affected by Williams Syndrome.

Thursday, people who buy food at Pizza Hut can tell the server they support the fight against Williams, and 20 percent of the money will go to the fundraiser. This applies to take-out orders, eat-in or delivery, Stew Wilson, Keeley's father and co-chair of the fundraiser, said.

Then, if people want to take off some of the calories they added by eating the pizza, they can walk in the third annual Walk for Williams Sunday, June 26, starting at Havre's Town Square.

The roughly one-mile walk is aimed at raising funds to fight Williams Syndrome, but just as important, it is aimed at raising awareness of the syndrome.

Keeley promises "fun" at the event.

In addition to the walk, there will be face-painting, balloons and other events for kids.

After the walk, there will be a free-will offering barbecue dinner, Wilson said.

"It will be a real family-friendly event," he said.

The first two walks have been very successful, he said. More than $12,500 has been raised,

Four people who have Williams Syndrome will be at the walk, Stew Wilson said.

Keeley will be there riding her bicycle, he said. Othr representatives will come from Joliet, Great Falls and Big Sandy. This will give people a chance to meet and talk with people who have Williams Syndrome, Stew Wilson said.

It is believed that the Havre walk will be the only one in a five-state area, he said.

People can register online at walk4williams.org or they can sign up the day of the walk. Registration that day begins at 2:30 p.m. The walk will start at 4 p.m. Walkers will go south on 3rd Avenue, over to 5th Avenue and head north to 1st Street and back to Town Square.

The cost is $20 for individuals and $50 for a family of four.

People who register before June 26 receive a free T-shirt