Day at Zoo Supports Dystonia Research for a Cure

PHILADELPHIA - Sept. 25, 2018 - PRLog -- More than a dozen cities across the USA are hosting a Dystonia Zoo Walk in 2018. The purpose of the event is to raise awareness of dystonia, a little-known but surprisingly common neurological disorder. Proceeds benefit the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation. Dystonia is characterized by extreme, involuntary muscle contractions that result in twisting, repetitive muscle movements and abnormal postures of the body and limbs. There are many manifestations of dystonia that impact people of all ages and backgrounds. Common signs include twisting or abnormal movements of the head and neck, excessive blinking, a breathy or choking voice, hand cramps, or a twisted foot. Conservative estimates suggest no fewer than 250,000 Americans are affected.

WHEN: Sunday, September 30, 2018. Registration opens at 8:00 AM. Event begins at 9:30 AM. Rain or shine.

WHERE: Philadelphia Zoo, 3400 W. Girard Avenue, Philadelphia PA 19104.

WHO: The Zoo Walk is organized by local volunteers. Janice and Len Nachbar are longtime dystonia advocates on behalf of their adult daughter and Philadelphia resident, Joanna Manusov. Ms. Manusov's dystonia is so severe it causes rigid, muscle spasms in virtually every muscle on her petite frame. She has a 5lb service dog named Nicki who anticipates when the symptoms are escalating and sit in her lap to calm her. The Nachbar/Manusov family have traveled to Washington, DC to advocate to Congress on behalf of the dystonia community, and organized dystonia support groups in Freehold, NJ and Philadelphia.

Raman Patel of West Chester, PA is affected by cervical dystonia, characterized by extreme, involuntary muscles spasms in the neck (along the cervical spine). Cervical dystonia causes twisting movements and fixed positions of the head as well as chronic pain. The mainstay of treatment is regular injections of botulinum neurotoxin ("Botox") into the neck muscles. Mr. Patel runs a local dystonia support group.

Pedro Gonzalez-Alegre, MD, PhD, dystonia expert and Co-Director of the Parkinson's Disease and Movement Disorders Center at the Pennsylvania Hospital is a guest speaker at the Zoo Walk.

The Dystonia Medical Research Foundation 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.

MEDIA: For information and to schedule interviews, contact Janice Nachbar at janicenachbar@aol.com. Event info also available at: https://www.dystonia-foundation.org/philadelphia-zoo-walk