4th Annual Dystonia Zoo Walk & "Go Blue for Dystonia Day" Bring Awareness to Girls' Rare Brain Disorder

CINCINNATI - Sept. 14, 2016 - PRLog -- More than 500 people gathered at Cincinnati Zoo on Saturday, September 10 for the 4th Annual Dystonia Zoo Walk organized by Melissa Phelps of Warsaw. In communities across the country, Zoo Walks are raising public awareness and research funds for dystonia, a little-known brain disorder. Cincinnati Zoo Walks have raised over $150,000 to benefit the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF), the leading dystonia advocacy non-profit. National sponsors include Allergan and Merz. Additional sponsorships provided by US WorldMeds, Ipsen, Norfolk Southern, Riverhills Neuroscience, McDonald's, Medtronic, Mix 94.9, and others. 94.9 Morning Misfits radio talent Karen Van Zant and neurologist Dr. Donald Gilbert of Cincinnati Children's Hospital spoke at the event. In the days leading up to the Zoo Walk, the Radisson Cincinnati Riverfront showed their support by lighting the building up in blue, the signature dystonia awareness color.

Two of Phelps' four children are diagnosed with tyrosine hydroxylase deficiency, a rare metabolic disease that causes generalized dystonia. "After an amazing, wonderful 4th Annual Dystonia Cincinnati Zoo Walk, my brain was zoo mush, my back hurt, but my heart is happy and proud," says Phelps. "Huge thank you to my sponsors, teams, team leaders, volunteers, and all who attended. We had an army walking for my girls."

"Go Blue for Dystonia Day" in Gallatin, Kentucky and surrounding counties will take place Friday, September 23. Residents and businesses are invited to show support for the Phelps children and dystonia awareness by wearing blue and decorating homes and businesses in the signature dystonia awareness color. September is Dystonia Awareness Month.

Dystonia is a chronic, often disabling, movement disorder marked by extreme muscle contractions that cause involuntary movements and abnormal postures of the body and limbs. It is the third most common movement disorder. There are numerous manifestations of dystonia that impact people of all ages and backgrounds. Phelps' daughters experience painful muscle spasms in their limbs, hands, feet, neck, face, and tongue as well as serious complications of tyrosine hydroxylase deficiency that affect their respiratory and gastrointestinal systems.

Through the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation, Phelps was able to learn about dystonia and connect with other parents for coping support. She has traveled to Washington, DC as a legislative advocate for the dystonia community, earned the Foundation's Douglas Kramer Young Advocacy Award, and is a member of the Foundation's Community Leadership Council. Phelps founded the Cincinnati & Northern KY Dystonia Support Group to assist other affected families.

The Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (www.dystonia-foundation.org) 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.