Good to see you back on this BB. If I wasn't scrambling to leave for the Miami Dystonia convention, I'd write a letter right now. However, please take *this* letter (post) next door. You have my permission to give this to the folks at ABC.

I've written to several talk shows before, to describe the plight and struggles of adult-onset dystonia patients who get cut down (lives irrevocably altered) in their prime years. Also, this is 2002-America so I watch alot of this *stuff* that gets put out into the popular media (BOTOX Cosmetic, and all the insensitive comments about wrinkles/Botox on every talk show virtually every day, etc.).

It stinks. Unfortunately, it's a reflection of our current entertainment, $$$-driven society. Even sports aren't sports anymore. It's all money and entertainment.

The only reason I even watch daytime TV (Oprah, the View, etc.) is that I'm home during the day. Why am I home during the day? Because I can't work. And, why can't I work? Because I have very severe Adductor Spasmodic Dysphonia and can't talk (or breathe) enough to work. Master's Degree and many years of business experience and all. Doesn't help, if you can't talk.

You and I have met in person and so many of us have gotten to know/appreciate each others' cases thus we with dystonia know that none of this is a joke. Our lives have been forever changed and often destroyed by this disorder that is still awaiting research funds and public awareness. I now have the breathing problems, associated with diaphragmic involvement, that you've experienced. SD (laryngeal dystonia) is no joke in the slightest, although if we didn't deal with it with some humor, we would all give up. Can't do that either.

During the last three years, not being able to work, I have enjoyed watching *the View* periodically. I relate to all five women at various times. Also, Lisa Ling is from my hometown of Sacramento, California. Quite young, but sharp. My favorite episode, awhile back, was when Michael J. Fox was on (I wrote a report on that episode, on this Bulletin Board), discussing his battle with Parkinson's, including the meds he takes, and his new book, "Lucky Man."

Isn't it interesting that the five women of *the View* would never make light (a joke) out of Sinemet (which keeps Michael J. Fox going) or his comments about being "shaky Dad" but jokes are made daily, on *the View* and elsewhere, about the medical Botox treatments which save our lives? I didn't hear Lisa's comments so I can't judge what she said, but we hear it frequently. Nobody would poke fun at what Christopher Reeve goes through with his treatments. Why they do it, with our treatments, is a mystery. It translates to lack of respect.

Excellent awareness campaign, Teressa! The best campaigns are the personal ones. I didn't see that episode, so reserve judgment unless I see it myself. Feel free to print and deliver this letter to *the View* however. I will write to Lisa Ling (my fellow hometown girl) also. As a woman's show, it is CRITICALLY important for the powerful ladies of *the View* to be aware of how many highly intelligent, capable people (65-70% women) have been cut down, in their prime, by dystonia. Of all the talk shows, we should get support and validation from them. (Also, not to forget the men who need Botox to live also).

Hey everyone at ABC and *the View*!! Botox is NOT just for wrinkles! Never has been. It keeps some of us alive to see, talk and live!

I'll send you another copy of this (on e-mail) with my last name and other info. Suitable for delivery.

Thanks Teressa.