Other News New Advocacy Website Launched
Scientific Updates
FDA Approves Xeomin for the Treatment of Cervical Dystonia and Blepharospasm
Research Opportunity in Spasmodic Dysphonia
NSDA Funds New Research Grant on Spasmodic Dysphonia
Dystonia Awareness Week: June 6-12
Message from NSDA's New President - Charlie Reavis
The Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program Adds Dystonia to the List
NIH Funds $6.2 Million Dollar Grant for Focal Dystonias
Spasmodic Dysphonia and Quality of Life Research Study Results
Botulinum Toxin Update
NSDA Funds Research Grant
Brainstem Pathology in Spasmodic Dysphonia
Research Priorities in Spasmodic Dysphonia
Participate in the 2010 Dystonia Advocacy Day
Share Your Story Winner Announced
The Experience and Impact of Reading the "Share Your Story" Entries
Spasmodic Dysphonia Featured on ABC's Medical Mysteries Program
Changes in the Brain Identified in SD
SD Research Program Launched and Scientific Advisory Board Appointed
CEU Course Available on Spasmodic Dysphonia
Easier Done than Said...Living with a Broken Voice: New Book on Spasmodic Dysphonia
Emily Lim finds her Voice through Writing
Safety Issues Regarding Botulinum Toxin
ASHA provides Insurance Checklist for Speech Therapy Benefits
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Message from NSDA's New President - Charlie Reavis
It has been a rewarding experience serving the National Spasmodic Dysphonia Association as a member of its Board of Directors for several years, and it is my great pleasure to now serve as President of the Board. Our past President David Barton has served the NSDA in this position since 2005 with dedication, commitment to the NSDA mission and excellent leadership. On behalf of the NSDA Board and the spasmodic dysphonia community, I thank David for his outstanding service and significant accomplishments.
My voice problems became severe in early 2000 and I was fortunate to find an otolaryngologist and speech-language pathologist in 2001 who diagnosed my voice condition as adductor spasmodic dysphonia. They played the NSDA video and I immediately knew that was what I had and that there were others with the same voice condition.
As I am sure all of you felt, I was relieved to have a diagnosis but disappointed to also learn that the cause was unknown and the treatments only temporary. I explored the NSDA website in an attempt to learn more about SD but soon discovered that the knowledge was limited and very little research had been conducted since this was a rare condition with a very small patient population. This only fueled my desire to find a way to do something, so when then President Dot Sowerby contacted me and asked if I would join the NSDA Board, I accepted.
I have been actively engaged with the Board and working closely with David and the other Board members to grow the organization and provide more support and services to the SD community. We have made significant strides in serving our mission of increasing awareness of SD, educating the public and medical community about SD, providing support for SD patients and their families and pushing research to find the cause of SD that will eventually lead to a cure for our voice condition. I am extremely optimistic about the future of NSDA and our plans to enhance the support and services to the entire SD community and continue to drive SD-specific research.
During our recent Board meeting and Leadership Day in Denver, I shared my vision for NSDA:
"Ensure the ongoing viability of the Organization that will continue to lead the effort to eradicate Spasmodic Dysphonia."
One thing I have learned and admire about people with SD is their perseverance, dedication and a wonderful stubbornness that anything is possible. I am convinced that working together with one loud and clear NSDA voice that my vision for NSDA can become a reality. I look forward to working hard on your behalf and with your help and support to accomplish our mission and strive to achieve our vision. With your help and support we can accomplish our mission and strive to achieve our vision. I look forward to working hard on your behalf.
Thank you for your continued commitment and support!
Charlie Reavis
NSDA President
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