A huge thank you to all my supporters in the 2014 Dystonia Walkathon.
The purpose of this Walkathon is twofold. First it is to raise awareness of dystonia, and secondly we must raise funds for research into this movement disorder.
As For Better or For Worse cartoonist Lynn Johnston, who lives with dystonia, would say, “What, you’ve never heard of dystonia?” It’s a widespread disorder, but one of the least known.
Dystonia is a disorder that affects the nervous system. Improper signalling from the brain causes the muscles to tighten and twist involuntary. These muscles spasms force areas of the body into awkward movements and positions.
Dystonia is not a psychological disorder, nor does it affect the intellect. It affects men, women, and children of all ages and backgrounds. Dystonia is the third most common movement disorder, after tremors and Parkinson’s disease.
The Dystonia Walkathon was held June 8 at the Howard Armstrong Recreation Centre. As most of you know by now, I retired from Walmart 3097 as of April 21. I started early to collect pledges from my fellow associates, managers and staff this year, collecting a sum of $2,206.
A great big thank you to all. Walmart head office gave a matching grant of $2,000. That is the limit they can provide, seeing that we are not the only organization they contribute to.
My only hope is that Walmart home office continues with this grant for research into this debilitating disorder.
I wish to extend my sincerest gratitude to the home office. Gratitude is a currency we cannot mint ourselves and spend without fear of bankruptcy. My deepest and heartfelt thanks go out to you.
To my relatives, neighbours, friends and business people, I cannot express in words how much you have helped me to help others in my never ending search for a cure for this debilitating disorder.
Gratitude is when memory is stored in our heart and not in our mind. Thank you, thank you, straight from my heart. May you always know the joy of giving and receiving gratitude.
Dwayne Backer
Hanmer