Public Information - Press Release: Freeholders hope to raise awareness of Dystonia

For Immediate Release:

June 12, 2015

Freeholders hope to raise awareness of Dystonia

Disease causes painful muscle contractions, spasms

FREEHOLD, NJ – On June 11, the Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders presented a proclamation to commemorate Dystonia Awareness.

The Monmouth County Board of Chosen Freeholders presents proclamation to commemorate Dystonia Awareness to Len and Janice Nachbar of Freehold with the hope to raise public awareness of this debilitating disease that their daughter Joanna is living with at their regular public meeting on June 11 in Freehold, NJ. Pictured left to right: Freeholder Thomas A. Arnone, Freeholder Lillian G. Burry, Janice and Len Nachbar, Freeholder Deputy Director Serena DiMaso and Freeholder John P. Curley.

The Board presented the proclamation to Len and Janice Nachbar of Freehold with the hope to raise public awareness of this debilitating disease that their daughter Joanna is living with.

“Dystonia is a little-known, but surprisingly common, neurological movement disorder that causes muscles to contract or spasm painfully,” said Freeholder Director Gary J. Rich, Sr. “It can strike men, women and children with no warning, and its effects range from mildly disabling to totally crippling.”

Dystonia is estimated to be six times more prevalent than Huntington ’s disease, ALS or Muscular Dystrophy.

Some people inherit Dystonia or have it because of another disease, and while there are those who can maintain a relatively normal lifestyle, others are permanently hindered, struggling with wheelchairs, crutches or in need of full-time assistance.

The Dystonia Medical Research Foundation was formed and is working aggressively toward finding a cure and to support those who daily suffer from this devastating disorder.

# # #