Register for the Walk & Roll to cure FSHD by July 31! Come help support this incredible cause to bring awareness for Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy!
Join the FSH Society Colorado on Saturday, September 9, at Philip S. Miller Park for the second annual Walk & Roll to cure FSHD, or Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy. The walk/roll will be three laps around the park. Wheelchairs, scooters, strollers, and wagons are all welcome at this great event, so bring the entire family! There will also be live music by the band Chainsaw Rodeo following the walk, as well as varied activities that everyone can enjoy, including food trucks, a bouncy house, face painting, and even a silent auction. When: Saturday, September 9, at 9 a.m. (check-in starts) Where: Philip S. Miller Park, Castle Rock [gallery columns="2" size="large" ids="18783,18784,18786,18785"] Registration Before July 31: $30 | After July 31: $40 Kids: $10, includes kids shirt | ages 5 and under: FREE Registration includes participation in the walk/roll, an event t-shirt, and a swag bag full of awesome goodies! Online registration ends on Friday, September 8, at 12 p.m., with walk-in registration available at the registration table the day of the event. [gallery columns="2" size="large" ids="18799,18798"] If you are unable to attend, you can still donate. Simply click here for more details!
So, what exactly is Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy?
According to the FHS Society, it is a neuromuscular disease that is marked by "progressive skeletal muscle weakness, defects in the biochemical, physical, and structural components of muscle," and it results in "the death of muscle cells and tissue." This loss of skeletal muscle is typically seen across the face, back, and upper arm muscles, with the hip girdle and legs also affected in some patients.
Symptoms can include:
- Inability to whistle
- Inability to sip through a straw
- Eyes that don't fully close during sleep
- Difficulty with exercises such as sit-ups and pull-ups
- Shoulder blades that "wing" out
- Difficulty raising arm above shoulder height
- Foot drop (foot dorsiflexion weakness)
- Weak lower abdominal muscles, protuberant abdomen
- Curved spine (lordosis)
- Episodes of "burning pain" in muscles
- Severe pain from changes in posture
- Chronic fatigue
- Respiratory insufficiency
- Hearing loss
