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People Profile: Morgan Greenwald
As months went by, Morgan’s leg progressively got worse: her
ankle was sore and walking was painful. Her parents, Lori and David, figured it was Morgan’s dancing that was causing the strain. Although her
father, David, was diagnosed with dystonia in his youth as well, initially the
family did not think it had passed on to Morgan. But during a leisurely stroll
at a shopping mall, Morgan’s parents were stunned at her awkward walking.
“They thought I was making fun of someone with a disability,” recalls Morgan. “But I told them, ‘this is how I walk now, I can’t help it.’”
Morgan Greenwald dances with dad David. Prior to brain surgery, this would have been impossible.
The thought of having a disease was “upsetting and scary” to Morgan, but despite the changes to her body, she would not let that change her spirit. However, Morgan’s life quickly began to change as the dystonia progressed. Doctors prescribed heavy oral medication and in 5th grade she began treatments with botulinum toxin injections. The treatments did provide some relief but there were side effects. With a petite frame, Morgan became easily tired and thirsty. Concentrating in school became challenging and Morgan, a straight-A student, noticed her grades began to slip.
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