D.C. Hathaway Organizes Benefit Show for Little-known Neurological Disorder

SAN MARCOS, Calif. - May 14, 2015 - PRLog -- Singer, musician, and radio DJ Dwain “D.C.” Hathaway is hosting the “D.C. Coast to Coast Showcase for Dystonia,” a benefit show Saturday, May 16 at The Jumping Turtle in San Marcos to bring awareness and raise funds for dystonia, a little-known neurological disorder. In 2005, after nearly a decade of unexplained symptoms, Hathaway was diagnosed with spasmodic dysphonia, a subtype of dystonia that targets the vocal cords.

“After recovering from a near-fatal car wreck in 1995, I returned to rehearsal with my band, and my voice just wasn’t the same,” Hathaway explains. “I can’t tell you how many doctors I saw. They all said nothing was wrong.”

Dystonia is a chronic, often debilitating, movement disorder marked by extreme, involuntary muscle contractions that cause twisting, repetitive body movements and abnormal postures. There are many subtypes that impact people of all ages and backgrounds. Spasmodic dysphonia causes the muscles in Hathaway’s vocal cords to contract excessively when he speaks or sings, resulting in a strangled-sounding quality to his voice and “breaks” in speech. Hathaway receives quarterly botulinum toxin injections (“Botox”) into his vocal cords to lessen the spasms, but his voice has never been the same.

Other subtypes of dystonia manifest as twisting or abnormal movements of the head and neck, excessive blinking, hand cramps, or a dragging foot. Dystonia is frequently misdiagnosed as conditions as diverse as cerebral palsy, orthopedic disorders, and psychiatric illness.

“Spasmodic dysphonia turned my life upside down,” says Hathaway. “It destroyed my self-esteem and my career. Most people I meet have no idea what dystonia is. I hope I can help change that. I also hope my story will inspire others dealing with a rare illness to keep going and never give up.”

“D.C. Coast to Coast Showcase for Dystonia” takes place Saturday, May 16 at The Jumping Turtle in San Marcos at 9:00 pm. Featured artists include Michele Lundeen, Kelly’s Lot, and One Foot in the Blues. Tickets are $10 and available at the door. (Doors open at 8:00 pm. 21 & Over.) A portion of proceeds benefits the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation.

D.C. Hathaway is a BMI affiliated songwriter, producer, engineer, and studio musician residing in Imperial Beach, California. He began touring professionally as a musician by age 16 with various classic rock and country bands. Hathaway’s radio broadcasting career included positions in Dickson, Tennessee at WDKN and WCLB (now WKLB) in Boston. Hathaway has shared the stage with country stars Blake Shelton, JoDee Messina, The Judds, Penny DeHaven, and Lacy J. Dalton. Since his singing and radio careers ended due to spasmodic dysphonia, he has participated in benefit concerts to support dystonia research and hosts a daily internet radio program, DC Coast to Coast (www.dccoasttocoast.com).

The Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to advancing research for improved dystonia treatments and ultimately a cure, promoting awareness, and supporting the well-being of affected individuals and families. The DMRF can be reached at 800-377-3978 or www.dystonia-foundation.org.