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Dystonia Walk brings in more than $21,000 for research

Small but dedicated crew braves weekend heat to generate funds
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The annual Dystonia Walk on June 9 raised more than $21,000. (Supplied)

A small crew of 26 people braved Sunday’s heat to raise a whopping $21,200 for the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation of Canada.

Once again, Dwayne Backer, who lives with dystonia, was the top fundraiser, raising more than $13,000 on his own, with the help of the 295 people who donated.

”Dwayne is a wonderful ambassador for raising awareness of dystonia while he raises much needed funds for research,” said Mary Guy, the president of the local dystonia group.

Through the bank’s Benevity program, Royal Bank in Hanmer donated $1,000 to the cause and several staff members from the branch joined in the walk.

Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder that causes muscles to pull or spasm. It can be very painful and debilitating. It can affect the eyes, neck, jaw, speech, hands, and limbs. There is yet no cure, but there are some drug treatments. Botox injections help and in severe cases, there is deep brain stimulation surgery. Research is important.

Bringing home prizes (sponsored by DMRF Canada) for being top fundraisers were:

  1. Dwayne Backer;
  2. Richard & Mary Guy;
  3. Coco Lariviere; and
  4. Lauraine Blais

Topper’s Pizza and the Toppazzini family donated pizza for hungry walkers this year, while Chris’ Your Independent Grocer provided a gift certificate that supplied with water and watermelon, and an added bonus of cookies. Door prizes were donated by Barrydowne Paint & Wallpaper, Foothills Farm, Querney’s Office Plus, The Rainville Clan, and Scotiabank.  

The experienced desk crew of Lise Depatie, Sue Leroux and Brenda Morris once again volunteered for setting things up and keeping track of the walkers and the money that they brought in.


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