A major illness can rob some people of their strength and courage, but in other cases it motivates people to get help and, if possible, to help others. 20 years of life with dystonia gave Emma Wiseman a strong desire to help others. She began to hold fundraisers.
Having held several high-profile fundraising events, Emma decided that this year’s event should be over the top, and it is. To mark her 20th year with dystonia, Emma decided 2024 will be the year to hold a headline grabbing fundraising event. Emma will be WING WALKING on top of a biplane.
All proceeds will go to Dystonia UK and bring support and hope for people with the disease. Emma booked her reservation for August 24, 2024, to perform the wing walk. She hopes others will donate to the fund. This is her all-out effort to provide research for the millions of people who have this painful disease and to spread awareness for those who are not familiar with dystonia.
About Wing Walking
As the name implies, the Wing Walker climbs onto the wing of a biplane that is flying about 100 miles per hour. At that point he or she can either strap themselves to the top wing of the plane or maneuver to the side of the wing and attempt to maintain that position.
Although dystonia is listed as the third most common movement disorder after Parkinson’s disease and essential tremor, most people have not heard of the disorder. As Emma said, that is proof that efforts to make people aware of the disease are desperately needed.
About Cervical Dystonia
Cervical dystonia is a continuous movement disorder originating from the brain causing painful uncontrolled muscle contractions of the head and neck. Dystonia is a neurological disorder. Every case is somewhat different.
Emma Wiseman was 24 years old when she was diagnosed with dystonia. Emma admits that the years after her diagnosis were very hard on her physically as well as mentally. She describes these years as being a long painful journey. Emma was also diagnosed with other neurological conditions that complicates her original diagnosis.
About Secondary Dystonias
Secondary dystonias may be caused by outside factors such as infections, trauma, medications or stroke. Emma mentioned that one of these secondary factors happened to her friend, Donna Hicks, who had a dystonic stroke after receiving a high dose of medication to prepare her for chemotherapy. Donna has multiple myeloma. She explained that the medication was administered to prepare her for chemotherapy in conjunction with a stem cell transplant.
Yet within minutes of receiving the medication, Donna felt such excruciating pain in her head that the attending physician and staff went into emergency mode and injected other medication to reverse the effects of the first medication. Donate to Emma’s campaign here.
