Walk for Dystonia Held at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

The first annual Dystance4Dystonia walk at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo will bring together local residents to raise money and bring awareness to dystonia, a neurological movement disorder.

CLEVELAND (I-Newswire) August 8, 2012 - The first annual Dystance4Dystonia walk kicks off on Saturday, August 18, at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. The walk will bring together local residents to raise research money and bring awareness to dystonia. Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder that causes muscles to contract and spasm involuntarily. Because dystonia can hinder movement, the Dystance4Dystonia program was developed by the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation as a way for participants to walk or run for those who are unable.

“Seventeen years ago, I never had heard of dystonia until I was diagnosed with it in my left hand. Over the years my symptoms continued to develop, severely affecting my mobility and speech. Today, dystonia affects my whole body,” says Karen Flanagan, who helped to organize the walk.

The disorder is characterized by twisting movements and abnormal postures. Generalized dystonia affects multiple muscle groups across the body, while focal dystonia is concentrated to a specific part of the body. Dystonia is often not well-recognized and frequently is misdiagnosed as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or conversion disorder. It affects at least 300,000 people in North America.

Although some treatments exist, in many cases the causes are not fully understood. Dystonia is sometimes a symptom of another neurological problem, including trauma, drug exposure, or another disease or condition. Other forms of the disorder are known to be genetic. There is no known cure.
The funds raised by the Dystance4Dystonia walk will support the work of the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation. The foundation was created in 1976 to advance research toward improved treatments and a cure, promote education and awareness, and provide support resources to individuals and families affected by the disorder.

“Participating in Dystance4Dystonia is a way that my family, friends, and I can help make a difference,” says Flanagan.

The walk will begin at 9 a.m. and registration begins at 7:45 a.m. The cost is $25 to participate, which includes an all-day admission to the zoo, refreshments, and a t-shirt. The Dystonia Medical Research Foundation can be reached at 800-377-DYST (3978). To register for the event and learn more about dystonia, visit http://www.dystonia-foundation.org.
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