Peace Bridge Will Shine Blue to Commemorate Dystonia Awareness Month

BUFFALO, N.Y. - Aug. 23, 2016 - PRLog -- The Buffalo and Fort Erie Public Bridge authority will illuminate the Peace Bridge in blue lights on Friday, September 2 and Saturday, September 24 to promote awareness of dystonia, a debilitating brain disorder. September is Dystonia Awareness Month and volunteers throughout the USA and Canada are coming together to bring greater visibility to this little known, but surprisingly common disease. September 24 marks the 4^th Annual Toss4Dystonia Cornhole Tournament at Buffalo Riverworks to benefit the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation. It is the largest cornhole tournament in the Western New York region.

James Metherell, member of the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation's Community Leadership Council, is spearheading local dystonia awareness efforts. Metherell's 14-year-old son was diagnosed with a childhood form of dystonia and underwent deep brain stimulation surgery last summer. Dystonia is a neurological disorder that causes extreme, uncontrollable muscle spasms that twist the body into involuntary movements and awkward postures. There are multiple forms of dystonia that impact no fewer than 300,000 people in the USA and Canada.

"We were heartbroken and afraid when we learned Caleb's condition had no cure, and we watched it cripple him more and more with time," explains Metherell. "The best way to combat dystonia is to increase awareness and raise funds to support medical research."

Caleb's symptoms started at age five with a mild speech impediment. Within less than two years, he was bent over at the waist, involuntarily stuck in an awkward and painful posture. Medications only partially subdued Caleb's escalating symptoms, and in July of 2015 Caleb traveled to San Francisco to undergo deep brain stimulation from a renowned neurosurgeon. Caleb has benefited significantly from the surgery.  He has not used a wheelchair since last summer.

The Toss4Dystonia Cornhole Tournament at Buffalo Riverworks includes fun for casual players and serious competitors with two levels of competition. Team registration is $80 for Competitive Tournament and $60 for Social Tournament. General Admission is free. There will be raffles, bounce houses, and family fun. Registrations and donations toward the event can be made at http://toss4dystonia.org/. Proceeds benefit the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (www.dystonia-foundation.org).