$5Cure4Dystonia Raises Awareness of Little-Known Brain Disorder

WARREN, Mich. - Sept. 8, 2021 - PRLog -- Mike Delise is on a mission to educate the world about dystonia, a brain disorder that affects more people than ALS, muscular dystrophy, and cystic fibrosis combined. Delise became passionate about promoting dystonia awareness after meeting Jason Dunn, a childhood friend of his children, who has lived with the disorder since age five. Dystonia is a chronic, often disabling, disorder marked by extreme muscle contractions that cause twisting, repetitive body movements and abnormal postures. The $5DollarCure4Dystonia campaign will accelerate in September, Dystonia Awareness Month, a national movement to bring visibility to dystonia and the urgent need for medical research. A billboard featuring Dunn on Groesbeck Highway near the border of Warren and Roseville will promote the effort from September 12-25, 2021. Proceeds from $5DollarCure4Dystonia benefit the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation.

"When I met Jay, I was so shocked that I had never heard of dystonia, this disorder that affects him so much," says Delise. "I decided I had to do something."

Now in his 30s, Dunn has undergone four brain surgeries and countless medications, injections, and medical consultations. While dystonia has taken his ability to speak and walk easily, he lives independently and is an active dystonia advocate, appearing on nationally broadcast television and in numerous media stories.

"Jay and I have focused on awareness for the past 12 years, and now it's time to raise money to find a cure," says Delise. "We feel that many people would like to donate to find a cure but maybe can only afford $5 and think that it won't make a difference. So we came up with this campaign where your $5 means everything. We want to raise a million dollars $5 at a time. We feel like we can raise awareness and donations with the $5Cure4Dystonia."

There are many types of dystonia that impact people of all ages and backgrounds. Common signs include twisting or abnormal movements of the neck, excessive blinking, a breathy or choking voice, hand cramps, or a twisted foot. Estimates suggest no fewer than 250,000 Americans are affected. Dystonia is frequently misdiagnosed due to a lack of awareness even among medical professionals.

The Dystonia Medical Research Foundation can be reached at 800-377-3978, dystonia@dystonia-foundation.org, or https://dystonia-foundation.org.