THE FOX FOCUS...
ON RESEARCH
PATRICK MCMULLEN
RAISING AWARENESS AND FUNDING
FOR DYSTONIA
L to R: Tom Strauss, Bonnie Strauss, Michael J. Fox, Tracy Pollan, host Willie Geist and Christina Geist at a gala celebrating the
Bachmann-Strauss Dystonia and Parkinson Foundation’s alliance with MJFF
As the third most common movement disorder and a symptom affecting 40 percent of
those with Parkinson’s disease, dystonia affects more than 500,000 children and adults
in North America, yet not many people have ever heard of it. This September, MJFF recognized Dystonia Awareness Month by sharing information and resources on dystonia,
in addition to joining dystonia advocates in petitioning the White House to recognize the
month officially.
This followed a celebratory gala held in May honoring the new collaborative research
alliance with the Bachmann-Strauss Dystonia & Parkinson Foundation. The inaugural
Bachmann-Strauss Prize for Excellence in Dystonia Research was conferred on Xandra
Breakefield, PhD, for her groundbreaking discoveries in the field of dystonia genetics.
When a loved one is diagnosed
with Parkinson’s disease, there
are often many questions:
How can I help manage my loved one’s care? How will
Parkinson’s affect our relationship? How can I care for myself?
We asked clinicians, caregivers in our community and outside experts for their
advice on establishing a care partnership and sharing a family member or
friend’s journey with Parkinson’s. Learn more and download our complimentary
caregiving guide at michaeljfox.org/caregiving.
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