In a continuing quest to find the right pieces to solve the puzzle of their daughters’ debilitating disease, the Adelhardt family will travel to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota in June. The Gamma Beta women’s service organization will host a chili feed with cinnamon rolls next Thursday to help with travel and expenses.

“The public is encouraged to come and financially support this Pratt family,” said Susan Teske, a member of Gamma Beta, which also donated to the family from proceeds of a December craft show.

Kim and Kaylee Adelhardt, daughters of Roger and Kris Adelhardt, both have Behcet’s disease, an autoimmune disease that manifests itself in a variety of ways. Kim, 22, diagnosed in May 2006, has digestive symptoms like stomach pain, upset stomach and the inability to digest food, as well as arthritis pain and deep muscle aches. She was a student at Wichita State University prior to diagnosis; when the pain became so severe she had difficulty taking care of herself, she moved back home and is continuing her education in business administration online through Fort Hays State University.

Pratt Tribune, by Carol Bronson 3/18/2010

Tags: autoimmune disease, Bahcet's Disease, Immunology, sisters