Dystonia Medical Research Foundation

About DMRF How You Can Help Donate Promote Awareness Fundraise Join a Support Group Join the Junior Advisory Council Become a Legislative Advocate Become a Brain Donor Frequently asked questions Contact information Participate in a Clinical Trial Mission & History Board of Directors Medical & Scientific Advisory Council Musicians With Dystonia Staff For The Media Media Spokespeople About Dystonia See Dystonia Living with Dystonia: People Profiles Cure Dystonia Initiative Goal of the Cure Dystonia Initiative What Makes CDI Different? First Steps Funding 2011 Operating Plan IRS Form 990 Audited Financial Statement	Media Center People Profile: Michael Sharp 18-year-old Michael Sharp once enjoyed a healthy and active life. As a young child, he played hockey and was on the swim team; he liked to run and play. But when Michael was 11, his right hand started acting funny. His fingers would curl, his wrist would twist, and writing became a challenge. His mom, Victoria, decided to take him to a neurologist at Miami Children’s Hospital where doctors performed an MRI. But shortly after that, Michael’s symptoms became much worse. His whole arm, starting at the shoulder, was in pain and would twist awkwardly. In 2000, Michael was diagnosed with dystonia. Over the next several months, Michael’s arm became “stuck” in an awkward position. Then other parts of his body started developing symptoms of dystonia. When Michael was 13, he starting developing severe pain in his left hip. His legs also began to hurt. It was as if his body didn’t listen to him. Michael Sharp's life was transformed by deep brain stimulation surgery. The last three months of his 8^th grade year, he could barely move or function. He couldn’t sit down in a chair, let alone a wheelchair. All Michael could do is lay down in bed or on the floor. Michael continued to attend school, but could only manage it on a part time basis. His teachers would give him school lessons orally while he lay on the floor of an empty classroom. By June 2002, dystonia had taken over Michael’s entire body. “As each part of his body started developing dystonia, it would hurt him extensively and then just twist into an uncomfortable position,” recalls Victoria. “It hurt me so much to see him in so much pain.” Frustrated, confused, and in need of answers, Victoria took Michael to countries all over the world to find help for her son. He visited doctors in Europe, underwent a special physical training in Slovakia, and even went to see a spiritual healer in Brazil. Each time, Michael would see some minor, temporary improvements, but no real change. Click here to read more of Michael's story... Click here for PDF of entire article Return to main Media Center page

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