By PHOEBE DONALD ROBINSON / Community Columnist

Pat Wyatt’s life forever changed after a wreck over 40 years ago, which left her with a muscle disorder called dystonia.

When you look at Wyatt, her head shakes involuntarily. This little known disease is the third most common neurological movement disorder following tremors and Parkinson’s disease, and is seven times more prevalent than both Lou Gehrig’s disease and muscular dystrophy.

Wyatt, of Westover, has made it her mission in life to bring awareness to others about dystonia. Her efforts and others affected by this disease have brought Gov. Robert Bentley to declare by proclamation the month of September as Dystonia Awareness Month.

For the last few years, a week has been declared by the governor’s proclamation, but in 2015 the whole month of September has been declared with the tag line, “Dystonia moves me, show me your moves.”

Dystonia affects children, adults and shows no racial preference in the 300,000 persons affected in North America.

Although it is not fatal, it is a chronic disorder that can affect any part of the body. The cause is unknown and there is no cure.

Wyatt went to 15 doctors over 10 years before she got a diagnosis. Although most people have pain with dystonia, Wyatt does not.

“I have decided to put myself out there,” said Wyatt. “I want people to know that you are not alone. Linda Cannon-Mott of Alabaster started our support group, The Dystonia Support Group of Alabama, which helped me so much to know I am not alone. I do not let this disorder stop me. I am president of American Legion Auxiliary Unit 43, president of the Chelsea/Westover Homemaker Club, member of RSVP, active member of my church, Chelsea Church of Christ, and the group leader of Dystonia Support Group of Alabama. I remember when told that this was in my mind. It is important for families and friends to understand this disease.”

The support group is open to anyone. It meets the third Saturday of February, May and October at 10 a.m. at the second floor classroom at Lakeshore Rehabilitation.

The first Saturday of July and December are a covered dish luncheon.

For more information, see Dystonia-Alabama.org or contact Wyatt at (205) 678-8557 or pbwyatt1102@att.net.