Letter: Dystonia walkathon — Reinforcing my Attitude of Gratitude

Gratitude is a dish best served warm; saying thank you after it is due is like drinking a flat soda.

I wish to thank my relatives, neighbours, friends and business people for supporting me in the 18th Freedom to Move Walkathon 2015 for Dystonia research.
It was held at the Howard Armstrong Recreation Centre on June 14. I raised $9,541 in this event.

Without being helped, both morally and financially, I could have never reached this amount. Thank you for helping me and helping others in a never-ending search for a cure for this debilitating disorder.

A special thank you to Walmart home office for their matching grant of $1,718. They matched what I collected from the individual associates at the New Sudbury Walmart. Their continued support is greatly appreciated, since I’ve been retired from there since April 2014.

It proves loyalty, and, of course, certainly shines a good light on Walmart. When you give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.

The purpose of this Dystonia Walkathon is twofold: to raise awareness of this spasmodic disease and raise funds for research into this movement disorder.

Dystonia is a disorder that affects the nervous system. Improper signalling from the brain causes muscles to tighten and twist involuntarily. These muscle spasms force areas of the body into awkward movements and positions.

Dystonia may be painful and interfere with daily activities. Dystonia is considered a “neurological movement disorder.” It is a widespread disease, but one of the least known and is often misdiagnosed.

There is still no cure for Dystonia, but, thanks to research, great strides have been achieved in the treatment of the disease.

I was diagnosed in the ’60s and have seen steady advancement in the diagnosis and treatment of the disorder.

This is my 15th walkathon, proof of my belief in the necessity and incredible benefits of research in this field.

Funds raised in this walkathon is money well spent. Ask me the difference between then and now. Real life isn’t always going to be perfect or go our way, but the recurring acknowledgement of what is working in our lives can help us not only to survive but surmount our difficulties.

Dwayne Backer
Hanmer