Portland Dystonia Zoo Day Returns for 5th Year

PORTLAND, Ore. - July 5, 2022 - PRLog -- WHO: Local volunteers led by Dee Linde, a US Navy Veteran and retired Marriage & Family Therapist, are mobilizing to promote dystonia awareness. Dee developed severe dystonia in 1997 as a result of prescribed medications. In 2000, she was among the earliest dystonia patients in the world to undergo deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery, which has alleviated most of her symptoms. Dee founded and leads the Portland, Oregon & Southwest Washington Dystonia Support Group. As a volunteer for the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation, she has served on the Department of Defense (DOD)'s consumer review panel for dystonia research applications and has testified before the Senate Defense Appropriations Subcommittee in support of dystonia research funding. Dee is Chair of the Portland Dystonia Zoo Day planning committee.

The Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization dedicated to advancing research for improved dystonia treatments and ultimately a cure, promoting awareness, and supporting the well-being of affected individuals and families.

WHAT: Portland is one of eight cities across the country hosting a Dystonia Zoo Day in 2022 after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The purpose of this family-friendly day at the zoo is to raise awareness of dystonia and funds for medical research toward a cure. Fees are $25 for adults/$15 for children (12 and under) and include zoo admission, refreshments, and t-shirt, plus registration for DMRF's Virtual Dystonia Zoo Day Kick-off Celebration (August 18) and Virtual Dystonia Zoo Day & Closing Ceremony (October 8). Proceeds benefit the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation. Dystonia Zoo Day is not a competitive race and does not have a required walking route. National Sponsors are Allergan, an AbbVie Company; Merz Therapeutics, and Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals.

Dystonia is a disabling brain disorder characterized by extreme, involuntary muscle contractions that cause twisting, repetitive muscle movements as well as sustained, abnormal postures of the body and limbs. There are many manifestations of dystonia that impact people of all ages and backgrounds. Conservative estimates state 250,000 Americans are affected and up to 70% are misdiagnosed.

WHEN: Saturday, August 20. Registration opens at 8:30am. Event begins at 9:30am. Rain or shine.

WHERE: Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Road, Portland 97221 – Polar Plaza

MEDIA: For interviews or more information contact Dee Linde at phoenixrising@wavecable.com or 503-351-4204, or visit: https://dystonia-foundation.org/portland-zoo-day. The Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) can be reached at: 312-755-0198 or visit https://dystonia-foundation.org.