Stuart Leads Effort to Recognize Dystonia Awareness Month

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Sept. 2019 will be recognized as Dystonia Awareness Month in Illinois, thanks to a newly adopted resolution sponsored by state Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, calling attention to the third most common movement disorder.

“I am glad to lead the fight to raise awareness for conditions that are difficult to diagnose, such as Dystonia,” Stuart said. “If more people are aware of this condition, it will encourage new research about this devastating disease that affects so many Americans.”

Dystonia Awareness Month is already observed by many within the Dystonia community, and the issue became important to Stuart when she learned that up to 250,000 Americans are affected by the disorder. Dystonia presents with broad, yet debilitating neurological conditions, and while there are treatments to alleviate symptoms, there is no known cure.

Stuart’s measure, House Resolution 11 passed the Human Services Committee with bipartisan support and was adopted in the House on Wednesday.  

“It’s important that communities across the state take time to recognize the scope of this disease,” continued Stuart. “This September will call attention to the challenges area residents living with Dystonia endure and educate others about what we can do to help find a cure.”