Patient & Medical Communities Unite to Raise Awareness of Dystonia, A Rare Neurological DisorderInaugural Dystance4Dystonia Bronx Zoo Walk Attracts 30+ Teams
"I'm overwhelmed by the tremendous support we received from our guests and sponsors,” says event organizer Pamela Sloate, who developed dystonia in childhood. “The Bronx Zoo Walk was truly a celebration of hope, and the tri-state community came out in full force to raise funds towards the cure we all await and shine a spotlight on our little-known disorder." Teams at the Bronx Zoo Walk represented local families impacted by dystonia as well as prominent healthcare institutions: Leading dystonia expert Stanley Fahn, MD, Movement Disorders Division Founding and Emeritus Director at Columbia, stated: “The Bronx Zoo Walk was a great event for the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation. The large turnout demonstrates the compassion participants feel for each other and their interest in supporting dystonia research. The participants consisted not only of people with dystonia and their families, but also neuroscientists and medical professionals; Dystonia investigator Kamran Khodakhah, PhD, Professor and Harold and Muriel Block Chair in Neuroscience at Albert Einstein, added: “For my colleagues and me, the walk was particularly meaningful because it reminded us of the ultimate reward that our hard work might secure: a cure for dystonia. It was also crystal clear to us that every dollar raised by such activities in support of dystonia research is mixed with an incalculable amount of love." Sloate has lived with generalized dystonia affecting her limbs and speech for 40+ years. Her involuntary movements complicate the simplest tasks, from making a phone call to walking across a room. Sloate is a dedicated dystonia advocate and fundraiser, leads a dystonia support group at Mount Sinai Beth Israel, and authors the popular blog, Chronicles of a Dystonia Muse. The Bronx Zoo Walk is supported by Allergan, Ipsen, Merz, US WorldMeds, Mount Sinai Beth Israel, The Feinstein Institute for Medical Research at North Shore-LIJ, Whole Foods Market, Bella Face Painting, Ben Asen Photography, Caricatoonist, Sammie & Tudie, Superior Soundz Entertainment, Amsterdam Ale House, Chocolate Works, Church Publick, Lucy's Whey, Magnolia Bakery, Massage By Touch Evolution, Parlor Steak & Fish, Sarabeth's, Serafina, Third Avenue Ale House, and William Greenberg Desserts. Plans are underway to expand the event in 2016. Dystonia is a chronic neurological movement disorder affecting no fewer than 250,000 men, women and children in the United States. Dystonia causes uncontrollable muscle spasms that twist the body into involuntary movements and painful postures. There is not yet a cure. Dystonia is frequently misdiagnosed; The Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to advancing research for improved dystonia treatments and 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- Contact Jessica Feeley Dystonia Medical Research Foundatio ***@dystonia- Photos: https://www.prlog.org/ https://www.prlog.org/ https://www.prlog.org/ End
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