Dystonia Medical Research Foundation Announces New Board Appointments & Union with Cure Dystonia Now

CHICAGO - Feb. 22, 2022 - PRLog -- The Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) announced a new President of the Board of Directors, new Treasurer, and two new Directors as a result of joining with the non-profit organization Cure Dystonia Now. Each of these new appointments will enhance the DMRF's work in service to the dystonia community.

Mark Rudolph was appointed President of the Board of Directors. Rudolph previously served as Treasurer since 2007. He and his wife Diane Rudolph joined the Board of Directors in 2004 after their son was diagnosed with generalized dystonia as a young child. He is a finance executive and partner at CSuite Financial Partners.

John Downey was nominated to Treasurer. He joined the Board of Directors in 2017. Downey is currently the Chief Information Security Officer at GoFundMe.

Cure Dystonia Now Founders Robin and Marc Miller are the DMRF's newest Board Members. Upon joining DMRF, the Millers established the Cure Dystonia Now Fund in continuation of their commitment to advancing dystonia research. Multiple generations of the Miller family are affected by dystonia. Mrs. Miller's background is in management consulting and physical therapy. Mr. Miller has worked as General Counsel for mortgage companies, including publicly traded firms, for the past 25 years.

"The Millers have been generous supporters of DMRF for years, and together we've funded critically important research investigations. We are excited to welcome them to our Board and begin this new chapter of collaboration," said Rudolph.

"This partnership will reduce redundant efforts and get us closer to what we all want—better treatments and ultimately a cure for dystonia. We're very much looking forward to continue working with DMRF, now as a part of this great organization," stated Mr. Miller.

Dystonia is a chronic, often disabling, neurological disorder marked by excessive, involuntary muscle contractions that cause abnormal body motions and postures. Estimates suggest dystonia affects 250,000 Americans and millions worldwide. Common signs include abnormal movements or positions of the head, neck pain, excessive blinking, a breathy or strangled-sounding voice, hand cramps, or a twisted foot. Although there is not yet a cure, treatment options include oral medications, botulinum neurotoxin injections, and deep brain stimulation.

The Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) is the leading dystonia patient advocacy organization. Founded in 1976, the DMRF mission is to advance research toward improved treatments and a cure, promote education and awareness, and provide support resources to affected individuals and families. The DMRF can be reached at https://dystonia-foundation.org or 800-377-DYST (3978).