3rd Annual Portland Dystonia Zoo Walk to Raise Awareness for Disabling Neurological Disorder

Navy Veteran Organizes Family-Friendly Event, August 19

Online PR News – 01-August-2018 – Dee Linde is a US Navy veteran and retired Marriage & Family Therapist who unexpectedly developed severe dystonia in 1997 as a result of prescribed medications. In 2000, she was among a small group of pioneering patients to undergo deep brain stimulation (DBS) surgery which has alleviated most of her dystonic symptoms. Ms. Linde started and leads the Portland, Oregon & Southwest Washington Dystonia Support Group. As a volunteer representative of 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 urging legislators to keep dystonia in the DODs exclusive medical research program.

Dystonia 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.

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.

Portland is one of 13 cities across the country to host a Dystonia Zoo Walk in 2018. Last year, Zoo Walks in 12 cities drew over 5,000+ participants. 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. Proceeds benefit the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation.

WHEN: Sunday, August 19. Registration opens at 8:00am. Event begins at 9:30am. Rain or shine.

WHERE: Oregon Zoo, 4001 SW Canyon Road, Portland 97221 – Cascade Crest Ballroom

MEDIA: For interviews or more information about the Dystonia Zoo Walk contact Dee Linde at phoenixrising@canby.com or 503-351-4204 or visit www.dystonia-foundation.org/portland-zoo-walk. For more information on the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF), call 312-755-0198 or visit www.dystonia-foundation.org.