A relatively unknown genetic condition Essential Tremor (ET) affects approximately 10 million Americans. International Essential Tremor Foundation fund raiser 'Tulips for Tremors' brings attention to the neurological condition -- proceeds will fund future research and educational programs.
Colorado Spring, CO (PRWEB) August 8, 2007 -- Today almost 10 million Americans are affected by essential tremor (ET), a neurological condition that causes hands to shake, heads to node and voices to quaver. ET affects everyday living activities such as feeding one's self, grooming and writing and at its worst, is disabling. Once thought to be a condition found only in older people, the number of infants, children and adolescents being diagnosed with ET is rising.
International Essential Tremor Foundation (IETF) -- the only organization in the world dedicated to serving individuals with ET and their families, plus funding research into finding a cause for this primarily genetic condition -- has launched its new awareness campaign -- 'Shaking Up Awareness About ET' -- by conducting its first national fund raising campaign -- 'Tulips for Tremor' and by offering free community education events in cities across the United States www.essentialtremor.org.
Essential tremor is due to abnormal communication between certain areas of the brain, including the cerebellum, thalamus and brain stem. In the majority of people with ET, the tremor seems to be inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. This means that each child of a parent with ET has approximately a 50% chance of inheriting a gene that causes ET. However, not everyone who inherits a gene develops symptoms. Some people have ET and do not have a family history of tremor, suggesting the possibility of other causes. Researchers have already located two genes that predispose to ET and are currently trying to locate others. However, at this time, there is no generic test for ET. Identifying genes may allow scientists to find a cure.
"We encourage everyone to participate in IETF's 'Tulips for Tremor' fund-raiser. Dutch Mill Bulb Company, a trusted name since 1960 is the supplier of the bulbs, there are 4 different selections of bulbs and each one or all will make a beautiful addition every spring to any garden. Proceeds from this fund-raiser will benefit continuing research and bring attention to ET by having more free community events.", commented Catherine Rice Executive Director of IETF. Orders will be accepted through Wednesday, August 15, 2007, and will be shipped no later than October 15, 2207, just in time for fall planting. Call toll free 1-888-837-3667. www.essentialtremor.org
"To learn more about ET, we urge all to attend one of several free community education events about ET that are taking place in cities across the United States. Local neurologists will speak on the diagnostic process, symptoms and treatments of ET." All of the events are open to the general public.
Community education events will be taking place in the following cities in coming weeks: July 28, Houston, TX; Aug. 4, Erie, PA; Aug. 13, Omaha, NE; Aug. 25, Colorado Springs, CO; Sept. 8, Morgantown, WV; Sept. 22, Salt Lake City, UT; Sept. 29, Chicago, IL; Oct. 5, Spokane, WA; Oct. 6, Seattle, WA; Oct. 13, Hackensack, NJ; October 16, Sacramento, CA; Oct. 20, Louisville, KY; Oct. 23, Charlottesville, VA; Oct. 26, Hershey, PA; Nov. 3, Las Vegas, NV.
To place an order for the Dutch Mill tulip bulbs or for a free information packet about ET call Toll Free International Essential Tremor Foundation 1-888-387-3667. For further information and a schedule of the community education events visit www.essentialtremor.org.
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