Articles
- 05.09.08
- College Junior is 'Scholarship Guru'
In spite of dystonia, Sam Lim walked across the stage at his high school graduation and now helps other high school students pursue college scholarships.
- 04.27.08
- Coach & Instructor with SD Retires
Jerry Cleek of CA retires on a high note.
- 04.25.08
- Pro Hockey Player Continues Outreach
Rem Murray partners with Allergan to promote awareness, collect stories on cervical dystonia.
- 04.20.08
- DMRF Member Runs 41st Boston Marathon
Ben Beach is running yet another Boston Marathon despite dystonia in his leg.
- 04.15.08
- CA Man Relieved By Dystonia Diagnosis
Originally diagnosed with ALS, Eric Patrick's dystonia diagnosis came as a surprise.
- 04.10.08
- Dr. Donohue Informs Public on Dystonia
Longtime friend of the DMRF responds to a question about cervical dystonia from a reader.
- 03.31.08
- Woodworking Helps Man Cope with Dystonia, Depression
Forrest Whitaker of Arkansas was diagnosed with cervical dystonia. He has transformed a hobby into a livelihood.
- 03.26.08
- Man with Dystonia Runs 40th Boston Marathon
Ben Beach won't let dystonia disrupt his incredible record of consecutive Boston Marathons.
- 03.24.08
- 1st Patient with Lubag Undergoes DBS
A neurologist and the first Lubag patient to have undergone successful DBS surgery, have teamed up to form a foundation.
- 03.21.08
- Question of Discrimination in Irving City Council Discussions
Controversy has arisen in Irving City, TX regarding the application of Mary Burch to the Flood Control Board. Ms. Burch was diagnosed with dystonia in 1999.
- 03.20.08
- DMRF Members Helps Disabled Job-Seekers
Matt Lawrence created JobEnable, a website to match disabled job applicants with employers.
- 03.18.08
- Student Shares Experience of College Life
Bettie Plouffe talks about the challenges of being a disabled college student.
- 03.13.08
- Memorial Planned for Dystonia Community Member
A bicycle memorial is planned to celebrate the life of the late Chuck Easter, who had generalised dystonia.
- 03.13.08
- PA Man Explores Dark Side Through Art
Artist Jim Bloom turned to painting during his recupration from a vehicle accident that resulted in dystonia.
- 03.13.08
- Dystonia-Affected Pianist Speaks to NY Times
Jake Heggie retrained himself to play in spite of hand dystonia and performs in his latest opera.
- 03.10.08
- Larfayette Basketball Supports Dystonia
Lafayette Basketball to Host Hill2theMill tournament for Dystonia
- 03.07.08
- Billy McLaughlin Chats with Public Radio
Dystonia-affected guitarist updates Minnesota audiences about his experience with hand dystonia.
- 03.05.08
- "The Worm Shack" Is Busy Pursuing the Cure
The lab of Guy and Kim Caldwell at the University of Alabama--nicknamed "The Worm Shack"--is making progress toward a dystonia cure.
- 03.01.08
- Billy McLaughlin in Acoustic Guitar Magazine
Interview with dystonia-affected guitarist and awareness spokesperson.
- 02.25.08
- Chicago Tribune Article on SD
Spasmodic dysphonia patients and medical experts comment on use of botulinum toxin,
- 02.20.08
- DMRF Volunteer Will be Remembered
Santos Lopez advocated on behalf of his wife Karen who has dystonia.
- 02.15.08
- Dystonia on Des Moines TV
Support group leader Val Inman speaks to WHO TV reporter about her experience for dystonia.
- 02.03.08
- New York Times Praises Dystonia-Affected Pianist
NY Times music critic praises Andrew Rangell's rendition of Bach.
- 01.24.08
- Pianist Triumphs Over Secondary Dystonia
Calgary pianist Hung-Kuan Chen returns to the stage after an accident that crushed his hand.
- 01.16.08
- Leon Fleisher's Performances Promote Awareness
Dystonia-affected pianist Leon Fleisher performed in New Jersey.
- 12.19.07
- Canadian Walk A Thon Promotes Awareness
Mary Guy and the Sudbury (ON) Dystonia Support Group host their 10th annual walka-thon fundraiser.
- 12.17.07
- Hip Hop Doc Talks About SD
Dr. Dani Whitfield discusses Darryl McDaniel's struggle with spasmodic dysphonia/laryngeal dystonia.
- 12.04.07
- 5th Grader Benefits from DBS
Connor Anderson and his family talk about undergoing deep brain stimulation.
- 11.30.07
- Leon Fleisher in Washington Post
Pianist Leon Fleisher talks about his career, focal dystonia, and being a Kennedy Center Honoree.
- 11.27.07
- Family Benefits from Medical Advancements
DMRF Board Member and his growing family benefit from preimplantation genetic diagnosis and deep brain stimulation. Chicago Sun-Times article.
- 11.25.07
- Young Man and Family Persevere Through Deep Brain Stimulation
Boston Globe article chronicles 15-year-old Alex Anisimov's long journey with dystonia that led to deep brain stimulation.
- 11.25.07
- Boston Globe Provides Dystonia Overview
This article provides basic information about dystonia and the film Twisted.
- 11.15.07
- Zach Haney Continues College Level Wheelchair Basketball
Longtime DMRF member and Junior Advisory Council member Zach Haney continues to excel at basketball while away at college.
- 11.15.07
- Pancake Fundraiser with a Twist
Dana O'Kane reports to have received a divine message and is using the opportunity to raise funds for DMRF.
- 11.12.07
- Dr. Donohure Discusses Botulinum Toxin, Dystonia
Dr. Donohue writes about the medical use of botulinum toxin.
- 11.11.07
- Scott Adams In the News
Dilbert creator Scott Adams continues to promote awareness through media interviews.
- 11.06.07
- Possible New Treatment Demonstrated at Neuroscience Meeting
Posit Science Corporation claims computer-based cognitive training can treat a variety of neurological disorders, including task-specific dystonia.
- 11.04.07
- Elisse Lorenc Continues to Share Story
ABC7 WLS TV Chicago Reporter Karen Meyer speaks to teen Elisse Lorence about dystonia and deep brain stimulation.
- 10.25.07
- Research Reveals New Info About DBS
Research at Mount Sinai Hospital in NYC reveals that low level stimulation in young deep brain stimulation patients is as effective as higher levels.
- 10.14.07
- Oliver Sacks Includes Dystonia in New Book
The world-renown author of "The Man Who Mistook His Wife for a Hat" includes focal dystonia in his new book, "Musicophilia: Tales of Music and the Brain."
- 09.25.07
- Dr. Donohue Answers Questions About Dystonia
Long-time friend of the DMRF Dr. Donohue promotes awareness by addressing dystonia in his syndicated column.
- 09.25.07
- Andy Gates' Case Headed to Federal Court
Andy Gates was denied taking a US Airways flight he paid for because the airline stated he was 'too disabled.'
- 09.23.07
- CO Man Benefits from Deep Brain Stimulation
Jason Hoffman speaks to The Aspen Times about his experience with dystonia and deep brain stimulation (DBS).
- 09.23.07
- Elisse Lorenc Loves to Run
Ever since deep brain stimulation (DBS) restored Elisse's ability to run, she can't get enough!
- 09.18.07
- Botulinum Toxin, Massage Provide Relief to AL Woman
Venette Walker speaks about what she does for relief from secondary dystonia.
- 09.18.07
- AL Woman Shares Diagnosis, Treatment
Virginia Hurst speaks about her experience with several focal dystonias.
- 09.18.07
- Kansas.com Speaks to Movement Disorder Specialist
Katherine Widnell talks about balancing professional and family life.
- 09.11.07
- MS Woman Triumphs Over Dystonia Pain
After years of pain, Frances Champion finds relief.
- 08.30.07
- Time Article on DBS
An article on the Time magazine website on deep brain stimulation (DBS) references dystonia.
- 08.30.07
- Charlotte Observer Prints Article on SD
Mary Bifaro speaks about living with spasmodic dysphonia (SD).
- 08.29.07
- NJ Support Group Partners with Program to Assist Homebound
The Central NJ Support Group partnered with a local agency to include dystonia in a program designed to assist people who are homebound due to illness.
- 08.27.07
- Elisse Lorenc and Family Talk About Dystonia, Brain Surgery
17-year-old Elisse Lorenc and members of her family speak to the Chicago Daily Herald about their journey with dystonia.
- 08.27.07
- DMRF Member Wins Important Case
Jessica Whetung was awarded compensation for an accident that led to severe secondary dystonia.
- 08.22.07
- The Forward Reports on Twisted
The dystonia film "Twisted" continues to generate dystonia awareness.
- 08.20.07
- TN Pastor Speaks About Life with Dystonia
Miriam Seyler's diagnosis was a blow to her identity as a musician and musical director of a church.
- 08.17.07
- Mom Pursues Diagnosis for Twins
Reeta Beery talks to the Arizona Republic about the road to her children's DRD diagnosis.
- 08.03.07
- Checking in with Chip Hanuaer
Speedboat racer and SD advocate Chip Hanuaer talks about SD and life after racing.
- 08.03.07
- Sisters Educate Legislators, Public
Renee Gautier-Hague and Lanier Peterzell of Mississippi, along with a team of fellow dystonia advocates, recently visited Mississippi's Congressional delegation in Washington, DC.
- 08.01.07
- New York Times Picks Up Writer's Cramp Story
A recent study on writer's cramp has permeated many mainstream media outlets.
- 08.01.07
- Woman in CO Speaks About Botox Treatment
Caroline Chavez explains how Botox helps alleviate her dystonia and pain.
- 08.01.07
- Member Featured in Neurology Now
Bette Franke authors an article about cervical dystonia and the role of music in her life.
- 07.27.07
- Volunteers in Missouri Seek Undiagnosed
Barbra Brooks and Ellen Schnackenberg of Missouri speak to a reporter about their experiences with dystonia.
- 07.26.07
- Article Discusses Medical Use of Botulinum Toxin
Magaret Fassio speaks to a reporter at The Detroit News about botulinum toxin and cervical dystonia.
- 07.26.07
- Cheri Tannenbaum Authors Article
Cheri Tannenbaum, whose parents founded the DMRF in 1976, writes about her life and her art.
- 07.25.07
- Frameless DBS Performed in Thailand
The Bankok Post reports that the first person in Thailand with dystonia to undergo 'frameless' deep brain stimulation surgery is a 21-year-old young woman.
- 07.25.07
- Dr. Donohue Addresses Spasmodic Dysphonia
Longtime friend of the DMRF Dr. Paul Donohue answers a letter about voice symptoms.
- 07.24.07
- Study on Writer's Cramp Getting Attention
A study about writer's cramp by French scientists is getting mainstream attention. Fox News is among the media outlets that have picked up the story.
- 07.20.07
- Leon Fleisher Continues to Make Headlines
The Washington Post reports on the reason pianist Leon Fleisher recently had to cancel several tour stops.
- 07.17.07
- Debbie Friedman Joins HUC Faculty
Debbie Friedman adjusts to her new life in Manhattan as a member of the faculty at Hebrew Union College-Jewish Institute of Religion’s School of Sacred Music.
- 06.18.07
- Ontario Volunteers Promote Awareness
Tracy Henry and Lynn Eves of Onatrio talk to The Observer about dystonia awareness.
- 06.17.07
- Laura Herbert on Dateline
Daughter of DMRF board member Marilynne Herbert shares her DBS experience with Stone Philips of Dateline NBC.
- 06.10.07
- Leon Fleisher Going Strong
Leon Fleisher speaks to the New York Times about persevering in spite of the focal dystonia that derailed his career.
- 06.08.07
- Guitarist Uses Own Story to Promote Awareness
Billy McLaughlin shares his ongoing battle with dystonia with the public.
- 06.07.07
- FL Man Told He Is Too Disabled To Fly
US Airways personnel denied Andy Gates entry to a flight for which he had a paid reservation.
- 06.02.07
- Member Celebrated as Survivor
Laurie Ornstein is honored in Long Island for surviving cancer and living with dystonia.
- 05.31.07
- Sisters Provide Support, Promote Awareness
Carol Shannon and Cheryl Sheldon started a support group in Colorado to help others and promote awareness.
- 05.31.07
- 8-year-old Undergoes Deep Brain Stimulation
Shannon Wilkes developed dystonia at age 6 and recently underwent a very successful DBS procedure.
- 05.29.07
- Birmingham Support Group Honored
The Birmingham, Alabama Support Group is honored by the National Spasmodic Dysphonia Association.
- 05.26.07
- Teen Finally Gets Diagnosis
16-year-old JennyRay McGee was finally diagnosed with dopa-responsive dystonia after living wth symptoms since infancy.
- 05.23.07
- DMRF Member and Dog Honored
Terri Smith is a past guest author for the Dystonia Dialogue. Now she's being recognized for her volunteerism.
- 05.20.07
- Mom & Son Share Graduation
Long-time DMRF members Mark Dowling and his mother Michelle graduated together from SUNY Orange.
- 05.17.07
- Leon Fleisher Continues to Educate
Stops on Leon Fleisher's come-back concert tour continue to be opportunities for awareness through the media.
- 05.13.07
- Viviana Valdez-Lizama Talks About Her Son's Journey with DBS
Viviana Valdez-Lizama's 9-year-old son is recovering from deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery.
- 05.10.07
- Guitarist Shares Insights about Focal Dystonia
Guitarist Jason Solomon provides guidance to fellow guitarists affected by focal hand dystonia.
- 05.10.07
- NY Times Article on Risk of Psychiatric Drugs in Children
Like adults, children treated with specific medications are at risk for secondary dystonia and side effects.
- 05.09.07
- CNN Interviews Scott Adams
"Dilbert" creator Scott Adams talks about life, work, and spasmodic dysphonia.
- 05.07.07
- Honored Teacher Gains Life Lessons from SD
Marjorie Brown is a beloved teacher honored for her 19 years of service.
- 05.04.07
- Oscar-nominated Dystonia Film Included in Series
The Oscar-nominated film "Two Hands" that chronicles pianist Leon Fleisher's experience with dystonia is included in a special film series in Kansas City.
- 05.03.07
- Volunteer Rallies Community to Support Dystonia
Volunteer Paula Gates organizes a community event on behalf of the DMRF.
- 05.01.07
- Teen is First Dystonia DBS Patient at UMN
16-year-old Tyler McGuire is experiencing promising results from his recent deep brain stimulation surgery.
- 05.01.07
- Linda Thompson Records 2nd Album Despite SD
Recording artist Linda Thompson returns to the studio once more in spite of spasmodic dysphonia.
- 05.01.07
- UK Woman Battles Cervical Dystonia
Jackie Sloper speaks to a reporter from The Argus about living with dystonia.
- 04.30.07
- 'Yips' Affects Golfers
Golfers affected by the 'yips' may be struggling with a focal dystonia.
- 04.16.07
- Research Institute Opens in AZ
Irene Laune speaks about how the Sun Health system has helped her manage her spasmodic dysphonia.
- 04.15.07
- 5th Grader with DRD Enjoys New Neighborhood
10-year-old Wesley Belvy of FL and his family recently moved into a new home they helped build with Habitat for Humanity.
- 04.10.07
- Affected Teen in Malaysia Wins Award
Bing Xuan of Malaysia received an award for academic excellence.
- 03.25.07
- Teen Reflects on How DBS Changed His Life
Luke MacMahon of Australia shares his experience with
deep brain stimulation (DBS).
- 03.25.07
- Diane Rehm Speaks at Library Fair
NPR talk show host and author Diane Rehm used a stop at a literary fair to promote awareness.
- 03.22.07
- Cyclists in South Africa Champion Dystonia
Cyclists Dr Danie Morkel and Evert Meintjies are racing the Cape Epic on behalf of a 12-year-old with dystonia.
- 03.22.07
- Leon Fleisher Promotes Awareness in Iowa
Acclaimed pianist Leon Fleisher uses a performance in Iowa to promote awareness.
- 03.19.07
- Dystonia at the SXSW Music Conference
Johnny Bush's performance at the South By Southwest Music Conference became an occasion for awareness.
- 03.18.07
- Maestro Fleisher Performs in San Diego
Dystonia-affacted pianist Leon Fleisher uses a concert stop in San Diego to promote awareness.
- 03.13.07
- The Daily Struggles of Blepharospasm
Individuals in Delaware affected by blepharospasm--dystonia of the eye and brow muscles--share how the disorder impacts their lives.
- 03.13.07
- Volunteer Shares Experience with Diagnosis & Botulinum Toxin
Volunteer Sheri Todd is featured in an article that attests to the challenges of diagnosing dystonia.
- 03.02.07
- Teen with Dystonia Benefits from Home Schooling
Millicent Euton shares how dystonia affects her education in an article about testing for home schooled students.
- 02.24.07
- Johnny Bush Continues to Promote Awareness
Recording artist Johnny Bush speaks out about his experience with spasmodic dysphonia.
- 02.20.07
- Reality Show Helps Teen Get Diagnosis
14-year-old Gelisa Myer's symptoms began over two years ago with a twisting finger. By chance, a neighbor provided a clue toward diagnosis.
- 02.18.07
- Leon Fleisher's Story Told in Oscar-nominated Film
The film "Two Hands" that documents renowned pianist Leon Fleisher was nominated for a 2006 Academy Award.
- 02.11.07
- Alabama Group Provides Support
Founder and leader of the Birmingham Support Group shares why she is passionate about serving the dystonia community.
- 02.01.07
- Guitarist Henry Austin Battles Dystonia
"Wood & Steel" magazine includes a lengthy article about Henry Austin, a guitarist who developed hand dystonia.
- 01.30.07
- Twisted Hits Close to Home for Man in Muncie
WIPB TV in Indiana is showing the dystonia film Twisted on Jan 30. Ironically, the station's operations manager Max Hunt has lived with dystonia for over 20 years.
- 01.30.07
- Former Weatherman Promotes Awareness
Long time friend of the DMRF Paul Kavanaugh shares his experience with dystonia.
- 01.30.07
- Twisted Gets Publicity in CT
The Hartford Courant informs readers about the dystonia film, Twisted.
- 01.29.07
- Laurel Chiten on Chicago Tonight
Filmmaker Laurel Chiten talks about her film "Twisted" on Chicago Tonight on WTTW 11 Chicago.
- 01.29.07
- Lynn Johnston Continues to Promote Awareness
Cartoonist Lynn Johnston continues to speak publicly about her experience with dystonia.
- 01.29.07
- Dancer Calls Dystonia "New Dance Partner"
One of Canada's most talented dancers William Orlowski talks about life with dystonia and deep brain stimulation.
- 01.16.07
- Delaware Area Resident Shares Pain of Cervical Dystonia
The Delware News Journal shares information about cervical dystonia, and the experience of a local resident.
- 01.15.07
- Mystery Writer with SD Featured in USA Today
Author Martha Grimes shares her experience with spasmodic dysphonia and botulinum toxin.
- 01.11.07
- DMRF leader Honored
The Danvers Committee for Diversity honored DMRF Paula Gates.
- 01.03.07
- Dr. Donohue Addresses Blepharospasm
Longtime friend of the DMRF, syndicated health columnist Dr. Paul Donohue, responds to a question about blepharospasm.
- 12.27.06
- MSNBC Reports On Use of Botox for Writer's Cramp
A recent study examines the use of botulinum toxin type A to treat writer's cramp.
- 12.25.06
- Musician's Dystonia Continues to Make Headlines
Flutist Alison Young speaks about her focal dystonia.
- 12.21.06
- Writer's Cramp Study Makes BBC Headline
A study by investigators in Amsterdam examined botulinum toxin type A as a treatment for writer's cramp
- 12.19.06
- Newsday Reports on Medical Use of Botulinum Toxin
Although botulinum toxin gets more attention for cosmetic use, Newsday reviews its use to treat dystonia and other disorders.
- 12.12.06
- Scottish Teen Shares Story on BBC
Thirteen year old Sean Gardner underwent deep brain stimulation surgery. BBC News tells his story.
- 12.09.06
- Twisted Star Continues to Share Story
The Standard Speaker in Pennsylvania interviewed Pat Brogan, star of the dystonia documentary, Twisted.
- 12.06.06
- Man in Ireland Battles RDP, Launches Business
An emerging entreprener and father promotes awareness of a rare form of dystonia called rapid-onset dystonia parkinsonism (RDP) by sharing his story and news of a new business venture in a Dublin newspaper.
- 12.06.06
- University Student Speaks Out About SD
A student at the University of Tennessee reflects on graduation, career, and spasmodic dysphonia in The Pacer.
- 12.04.06
- Nursing Site Announces Twisted a 'Must See'
A nursing resource NursingSpectrum.com encourages readers to view the dystonia film Twisted.
- 11.21.06
- DMRF Member Featured in Oral History Project
The Bancroft Library at the University of California at Berkeley announced the launch of the Artists with Disabilities Oral History Project. Longtime DMRF member Neil Marcus is one of only five featured artists.
- 11.13.06
- Australian Man's Story Makes National Headline
Australia's National Nine News documents a man's struggle with severe dystonia and experience with deep brain stimulation.
- 11.13.06
- Freedom to Play Dystonia Spokesperson Releases 2nd CD
Acclaimed pianist Leon Fleisher brought unprecedented awareness to dystonia through the 2004 "Freedom to Play" campaign which heralded his return to two-handed performing after 30 years of struggling with focal hand dystonia. The Star-Telegram announced the release of Fleisher's second CD since his return.
- 11.09.06
- WebMD Article Summarizes NEJM Study
A summary of the 11/9 New England Journal of Medicine (NEJM) article in support of deep brain stimulation for the treatment of dystonia is featured on popular health website WebMD.com.
- 11.09.06
- Forbes.com Cites DBS Study
Forbes.com has noted that a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine confirms that deep brain stimulation surgery is an effective treatment for primary generalized and segmental dystonia.
- 11.02.06
- Playbill Arts References Ensemble Founder's Dystonia
Musica Antique Koln is an instrument ensemble founded by Reinhard Goebel, a violinist who developed focal hand dystonia in 1990. The group is embarking on a final tour due to the worsening of Goebel's symptoms.
- 11.01.06
- FL Woman Shares Experience with Dystonia
Dana O'Kane, writer for south Florida's "The Local Buzz Magazine" wrote about her experience with cervical dystonia in the November issue (article on page 31).
- 10.30.06
- USA Today Covers Scott Adam's Battle with SD
USA Today is just one of the news outlets to document Dilbert creator Scott Adam's latest success in treating his spasmodic dysphonia.
- 10.26.06
- Star of Twisted Featured in Area Paper
Shari Farber-Tritt is one of the stars of the upcoming dystonia documentary "Twisted" which will be broadcast in January of 2007. A reporter from the Pioneer Press caught up with Farber-Tritt during the Chicago premiere of the film.
- 10.17.06
- Popular British Actor Reveals Struggle with Dystonia
The Daily Mail is just of the many British and European news outlets to cover the story of Derek Thompson, star of the popular British television program, Casualty, who went public with his experience with dystonia.
- 10.05.06
- Florida Woman's Story Inspires
Southwest Florida's Herald Tribune tells the story of Laurel Bradley, her struggle with dystonia, and dedication to the martial arts.
- 05.10.06
- USA Today Documents Rem Murray's Return to NHL
Illustrating the power of an early diagnosis and effective treatment for the debilitating neurological disorder called cervical dystonia, Rem Murray, a center for the National Hockey League’s (NHL) Edmonton Oilers (2006 Western Division Champion and Stanley Cup finalist) and the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) launched the “Reaching Your Goals” campaign, designed to raise awareness for cervical dystonia.
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