The DMRF’s final three in-person Dystonia Zoo Days closed out Dystonia Awareness Month in cities across the country: Cleveland, Los Angeles, and St. Paul/Twin Cities.
The Flanagan Family, who created the original Dystonia Zoo Day, hosted the 9th Cleveland Dystonia Zoo Day on September 25th. Many thanks to event organizers DMRF Community Leadership Council Member Karen Flanagan and Kim Meeker. DMRF Medical & Scientific Advisory Council Member Dr. Aasef Shaikh of University Hospitals, Cleveland VA Medical Center, and Case Western Reserve University provided remarks.
The 2nd Los Angeles Dystonia Zoo Day on October 1st was organized by Community Leadership Council member Jacquelyn Coello. DMRF President Mark Rudolph led the program and Vice President of Public Policy Carole Rawson was in attendance. Dr. Natalie Diaz of Pacific Neuroscience Institute provided remarks.
The 5th Twin Cities Dystonia Zoo Day on October 2nd was organized by Shanna and Brad Schmitt, who also lead the Minnesota Dystonia Support Group. Shanna serves on the DMRF Community Leadership Council. DMRF Awareness Ambassador Billy McLaughlin provided remarks. Board Member Dan Lewis was in attendance. Nicky Bohm obtained a Dystonia Awareness Proclamation from the Governor of Minnesota that was presented during the program.
The Dystonia Zoo Day event series will officially end with the 3rd Virtual Dystonia Zoo Day & Closing Ceremony (10/8).
All team donations, for in-person and virtual Dystonia Zoo Days, will be matched up to $100,000 by a generous anonymous donor.
National Sponsors of the Dystonia Zoo Day program are Allergan, an AbbVie Company; Merz Therapeutics, and Ipsen Biopharmaceuticals.
The Dystonia Medical Research Foundation 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.