my jump for dystonia

Recently I was asked to participate in the Jump For Dystonia campaign by sky diving!  For those of you who know me well, you know that I wouldn't have to think long about that one...NO!  I am about as chicken as they come (I was proud of myself for going on a roller coaster and screamed, "I'm going to die" three times in less than two minutes).    Yes, I'm all about trying new things, but I also know my strengths, weaknesses, fears, hopes and dreams.  And jumping out of a plane isn't something I see myself doing in the near future or ever, for that matter.  However, I knew that there had to be something out of my comfort zone that I I could do to promote awareness for Dystonia.  My decision was to jump into the lake (I can't swim) all while promoting awareness for the Dystonia Community and hopefully physicians who have never heard of Dopa Responsive Dystonia (DRD).  

I share many links right here on my website under the "Resource" tab about Dopa Responsive Dystonia, but I think you should know that I never thought I'd become an advocate, simply because I had never heard of it!!!  My entire childhood, I thought I had Spastic Diplegia, CP.  After seeing dozens of doctors over the course of three decades, I still had never heard or read about Dystonia.  It wasn't until that  crazy "Good Friday" in April of 2010 that a neurologist told me, "I think you have Dopa Responsive Dystonia." In a matter of 48 hours,  I  went from being pushed in a wheelchair to standing independently!  

To say I am grateful for my new diagnosis and treatment, would be an understatement and not a day goes by where I don't give thanks to God for all that He has given me.  Many people ask me, "Aren't you angry that you went so long misdiagnosed?" Honestly,  I don't hold any resentment or anger about my medical situation.   I feel so blessed for my new found mobility and know that there are others out there misdiagnosed just like me!   That is why I do everything I can to educate others about Dystonia, particularly DRD.  

Click the image to watch my jump!  And then take a photo of your jump (doesn't have to be into a lake) and share it with me here or on my Facebook page.  Lets create awareness together!  

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