URBANA, MD - An organization called the Pager Association is shedding light on a dangerous condition that affects nearly seven million children a year and they're hoping their stories will help parents learn more.

Pediatric Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease or Acid Reflux is a rare disease that the daughter of Beth Anderson has suffered since she was born.

Anderson said, “When my daughter was born, she actually had an episode of acid reflux in the hospital. She chocked and stopped breathing.”

Beth formed the Pager Association to help other parents in the same situation as her.

Sara Henson, the parent of two children who have acid reflux said her son wouldn’t sleep, had problems eating and would throw up constantly.  Doctors recommended different feeding positions and ultimately medication, but it was the support group that helped the most.

Doctors know now that this disease affects one out of every 20 kids.  Some kids inherit it from their parents, while a food allergy triggers it in others.  Some just get it because of a weak digestive system.

The organization has support groups, and a website that gets 2.4 million hits a month.

They plan to hold a family benefit event next month to raise money and awareness for children struggling with acid reflux.

Put Out the Fire Chili Festival
Saturday Oct. 18th 12-4pm
Urbana Fire Station
www.putoutthefirechilifestival.org
FREE for all; donations welcome