At least 300,000 people in North America are affected by a movement disorder called Dystonia. It affects men, women and children of all ages and presently there is no cure. With the help of medical professionals around the world, there are multiple treatment options, and scientists continue to research new therapies. Dystonia is a movement disorder, causing the muscles in the body to contract and spasm involuntarily. The neurological mechanism that makes muscles relax when they are not in use does not function properly. Opposing muscles often contract simultaneously as if they are ‘competing’ for control of a body part.
The involuntary muscle contractions force the body into repetitive and often twisting movements as well as awkward, irregular postures. There are 13 forms of dystonia and dozens of diseases and conditions include dystonia as a major symptom. The pain varies from mild to severe.
On Sunday, October 16, friends, family and community members will gather their support at the Dystance4Dystonia Santa Clarita Valley Walk for a Cure at Bridgeport Park on Newhall Ranch Road and Grandview Drive in Santa Clarita. The two mile walk will begin at 10 a.m. and the cost is only $25 per participant. Dystance4Dystonia is an exciting program of the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF). The Dystance4Dystonia program is in several communities across the country, helping to raise much-needed funds for the Foundation.
“Our family feels so blessed that Emily, (who has Dystonia) has been able to receive treatment for her Dystonia by way of Deep Brain Stimulation and that she has her mobility back,” states Emily’s mother, Marci Goldstein. “The Dystonia Research Medical Foundation helped pave the way for DBS treatment by funding research.”
Proceeds from the walk will benefit the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF), a 501 (c) 3 organization that is dedicated to serving those with dystonia and their families. The DMRF was founded in 1976 and is a membership driven organization led by a Board of Directors and volunteers. The Foundation is committed to serving people affected by dystonia.
For more information, donate or register, visit www.dystonia-foundation.org , contact Hedy Greenfield at 661-360-8395 or email her at hedygreen@gmail.com.