Michigan man suffering from rare movement disorder walks to raise awareness


A Michigan man suffering from a relatively unknown disease will participate in a walk Sunday in an effort to raise awareness of the crippling neurological disorder that affects his every movement. Jay Dunn, 36, is one of the 250,000 in the United States diagnosed with dystonia.

The disease causes Dunn’s muscles to contract and twist and robbed him of his ability to speak. Symptoms can occur at any age but is often described as early childhood onset. Dunn, of Warren, Michigan, uses a communication device to speak with others.

“He describes it as annoying, but a lot of people describe it as very painful,” Mike Delise, Dunn’s advocate and friend, told Fox 2.

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“The one thing about Jay is a lot different… a lot of people with dystonia stay in the house or are reclusive. He’s willing to do anything,” Delise told Fox 2.

Treatment for dystonia ranges from physical therapy to medication and injections, or possibly even surgery, Fox 2 reported.

“I feel like there should be better treatments by now,” Dunn told Fox 2 using his communication device. “I have had it over 30 years and I still have hope.”

The walk on Sunday called the Dystance 4 Dystonia Walk at the zoo will benefit the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation.