Cleveland Dystonia Zoo Walk Replicated across USA to Raise Awareness & Research Funds

CLEVELAND - Aug. 29, 2019 - PRLog -- Karen Flanagan and family are organizing the 8th Annual Cleveland Dystonia Zoo Walk to promote awareness of dystonia, a little-known neurological disorder. Thirteen Dystonia Zoo Walks are taking place across the country in 2019, with many scheduled during Dystonia Awareness Month in September. Flanagan conceived this event with her mother Jane Ann Flanagan and aunt Gale Flanagan. Proceeds support the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation. Guest speakers include movement disorder specialist Aasef Shaikh, MD, PhD, of University Hospitals, Cleveland VA Medical Center, and Case Western Reserve University.

Dystonia is characterized by involuntary, repetitive muscle movements and abnormal postures of the body and limbs. There are many types of dystonia that impact people of all ages and backgrounds.

WHO: Karen Flanagan is affected by rapid-onset dystonia parkinsonism, a rare movement disorder characterized by an abrupt onset of uncontrollable movement symptoms that is frequently misdiagnosed due to lack of awareness. Karen's symptoms began out of the blue at age 20 with involuntary movements in a finger. The symptoms progressed to severely impair her speech, mobility, and overall activities of daily living.

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. (www.dystonia-foundation.org)

WHEN: Sunday, September 8. Registration opens at 7:45am. Event begins at 9:00am. Rain or shine.

WHERE: Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 3900 Wildlife Way, Cleveland OH 44109. Main entrance.

MORE INFO: Visit https://clevelanddystoniazoowalk.swell.gives/