Politics & Government
Stratford Family Recognized At State House For Dystonia Day Passage
The Connecticut House of Representatives recently passed a bill designating Sept. 15 to be Dystonia Awareness Day.
Press release from CT House Republicans
STRATFORD, CT — State Representative Laura Dancho (R-Stratford) recently introduced, Janice and Len Nachbar, of Stratford, and Paula Schneider, Vice President of Support for the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation, to celebrate the passage of House Bill 5409 designating Sept. 15 to be Dystonia Awareness Day.
Dystonia is a movement disorder that causes muscles contract involuntarily, often causing spasms and involuntary postures in some or many parts of the body. Sadly, in 2021, the Nachbars lost their beloved daughter, Joanna, to complications with dystonia, continuing their advocacy in her name.
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“This has been years in the making,” said Len and Janice Nachbar. “With the help of Rep. Dancho, the Stratford delegation, and Mayor Laura Hoydick, we have successfully spread awareness about dystonia and its effect on many families like our own.”
For the past two years, Mayor Hoydick proclaimed the month of September to be “Dystonia Awareness Month,” and last summer, Dancho was invited by the Nachbars to speak at “CT Dystonia Zoo Day” at the Beardsley Zoo to celebrate the first anniversary of this proclamation.
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“Today is a special day for Stratford,” said Dancho on the House floor. “When Len and Janice shared their story with me, I was immediately moved to help take their awareness campaign statewide. I was proud to co-sponsor and champion this legislation that gives our state a role in raising awareness and supporting families affected by dystonia each year. The success of this legislation in the House represents my passion to make Stratford voices heard and I am grateful to Len, Janice, Paula, and all those who came together to make this possible.”
The official legislative citation recognized the work of Len and Janice Nachbar, signed by all members of the Stratford delegation including Senator Kevin Kelly, Senator Herron Gaston, Representative Laura Dancho, Representative Ben McGorty, and Representative Joe Gresko. House Bill 5409 passed the House and awaits approval from the Senate before hitting the governor’s desk.
