FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, June 11, 2008

CONTACT:
Jim Broatch
Executive Director, RSDSA
(203) 877-3790

Team RSDSA at the 2008 Achilles Walk for Hope & Possibility in NYC

On June 22, 2008, the Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association (RSDSA) will participate in the 6th Annual Achilles Walk for Hope & Possibility at Central Park in New York City. ‘Team RSDSA’ is already 158 people strong, and ready to spread awareness of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS) and raise funds for research into the diagnosis, treatment options, and a cure for CRPS.

RSDSA promotes public and professional awareness of CRPS, also known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy syndrome (RSD), a chronic neurological syndrome characterized by severe and persistent pain that can lead to disability. Our mission is to educate those afflicted with the syndrome, their families, friends, insurance and healthcare providers about the potentially disabling pain it causes. Team RSDSA’s participation in the Achilles Walk for Hope & Possibility highlights the disabling part of the syndrome, offers hope to those who suffer from it, and encourages those who are disabled to participate.

Jim Broatch, RSDSA executive director, says “This is our fourth Achilles Walk for Hope and Possibility and we see it as a great opportunity to create awareness of our syndrome and also to let people know that it can be disabling. Perhaps even more important, though, is the way the walk brings together people with CRPS, their friends and family members, and lets them participate in funding research for better treatment and, hopefully, a cure.”

The Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy Syndrome Association (RSDSA) is a not-for-profit organization established in 1984 to raise awareness of complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS), educate the general public and the medical community, and fund research. Since 1992, RSDSA has funded more than $1 million in fellowships and research grants. For more information about CRPS and RSDSA, visit www.rsds.org.

Achilles Track Club is an international not-for-profit organization, established in 1983, that provides support, training, and technical expertise to runners at all levels. Founded in New York City, the ATC has expanded into 40 chapters in the United States and over 110 chapters on six continents. The Achilles Walks for Hope & Possibility include people with all kinds of disabilities. In 2005, CRPS was added to the list of participants. Runners participate with crutches, in wheelchairs, on prostheses, and without aids. For more information, visit www.achillestrackclub.org.

June 16, 2008