Brian Jackson, a senior at Florida State University, was afflicted with Dystonia in 2005 at the age of 15.

Brian and his parents, Erwin and Stefanie Jackson are hosting a Dinner and Show on Valentine's Day.  The net proceeds will benefit the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation as it searches for a cure to this debilitating disorder.

The dinner will be held at the University Center Club Futch Ballroom on Valentine's Day, February 14, 2012.  The dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. and the show begins at 8:00 p.m.  The show is entitled "THE COMPLETE HISTORY OF AMERICA (abridged)! The Boston Herald said, "What the "Daily Show" would be like if hosted by the Marx Brothers!".  The New York Times called this show "INTELLECTUAL VAUDEVILLE … Breathlessly paced, slapstick merriment." 

In 2004, Brian was enjoying high school and active in several sports.  One afternoon he complained of a sore back after playing basketball.  During the next nine months Brian was consistently misdiagnosed by doctors in Tallahassee and Gainesville.  Each doctor falsely concluded that Brian had scoliosis.  Finally, after a four day stay in a Miami hospital Brian learned that he had Dystonia.  By this time Brian had lost the use of both hands, was unable to walk, and was forced to drop out of Lincoln High School.

Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder that causes muscles in the body to contract or spasm involuntarily.  The symptoms may affect a specific part of the body or be generalized throughout many muscle groups.  Dystonia affects an estimated 300,000 men, women and children in North America.

Brian's condition was unresponsive to current medicine, and finally agreed to have brain surgery in hopes of regaining control of his arms and legs.  Brian now has eight electrodes in his brain and two batteries in his chest.  Within 48 hours following his operation he was able to walk unassisted and was again able to feed himself.  Brian will graduate from FSU in May and hopes to secure a position in the medical field that will allow him to work with individuals who suffer from Dystonia.

Although there is currently no cure, research advances are being made.  Dr. Pradeep Bhide and fellow researchers at the FSU College of Medicine currently have a NIH grant to study Dystonia in search of a cure.  Brian and his parents have been asked to share their personal experiences about Dystonia with the FSU medical school in March 2012.

FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO PURCHASE TICKETS CONTACT:  JESSICA ROSSOW (850) 645-5693 OR jessica.rossow@ourclub.com

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