Jumping For Dystonia

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It is a rare neurological disorder that causes involuntary movements all over your body. It’s called dystonia and there is no cure. There are several people living with the condition in our community.

“I didn’t want to go into any stores. I felt like I was being stared at all the time,” says Errin Bjerke of Argusville, ND.

Errin Bjerke found out she had dystonia two years ago. The cause is unknown and there is no cure.

“My whole right side of my body, it was like it was controlling itself. It would pull to one side or it would want to just hunch over,” Bjerke says.

Errin is one of 300,000 people in the United States living with dystonia. Joey Tehle is another.

“I can’t let it get in the way. I love life too much. Sure I may have challenges,” Tehle says.

She lost the ability to speak so she communicates through a computer.

“When I got on social media, I found so many others had it,” she explains.

Dystonia is different for nearly every person that has it. But these three women who met for the first time today aren’t letting the disorder stop them from living their lives.

“It makes us live in the moment. We can’t take anything for granted because you don’t know the next moment that you’re going to be stuck into a strange, twisted position,” says Jill Braden, another woman who lives with the condition.

But they believe more awareness needs to be made. “Jump For Dystonia” is a campaign that promotes education and research of the rare disorder.

Helping the cause is easy. All you have to do is take a photo of yourself jumping and post the picture to the “Jump For Dystonia” Facebook page.

“If it can reach one person with at least somewhat similar symptoms, then that’s half the battle right there,” Bjerke says.

These women aren’t sure if doctors will find a cure but they are hopeful. In the meantime, they continue to exude positivity and inspire those around them.
“I have to live my life and not let this get to me,” Tehle says.

For more information, you can visit the “Jump For Dystonia” Facebook page.