Samantha Davidson Samantha Davidson, 13, of McIntosh, her family and community are waging a battle against a rare neurological movement disorder, which has caused the teen to lose the use of her left hand and arm, as well as making walking nearly impossible.

Samantha, who is the daughter of Shannon and Robbie Davidson, was diagnosed with Dystonia in 2007. The disorder causes the muscles to contract and spasm involuntarily, due to the malfunction of the neurological mechanism that allows muscles to relax when not in use.

Dystonia has no age boundaries and may affect one particular area of the body or be generalized throughout more than one muscle group. It can affect men, women and children of any age and is not limited to any one ethnic group.

The chronic disorder does not affect cognition or intelligence, nor does it shorten a person's life span.

Samantha's Dystonia is so severe that the muscles on the left side of her body never relax, keeping her in constant pain. "She describes the pain as being like a 'Charlie horse' that never goes away," said her mom, Shannon. "This disease has robbed Samantha of her freedom to move, as well as the freedom she should be experiencing as a teenage girl."

Surgery may help

Samantha and her family are hoping a surgery, scheduled for Aug. 3 at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) medical center, will help relieve some of the symptoms as well as her pain. The procedure, which is the first phase of many, will involve having a wire implanted deep within her brain. She will be awake during the surgery to allow surgeons to ensure that the implant is in the correct location.

A second surgery will be conducted on Aug. 7, when doctors will implant a battery pack into her chest, which will be connected to the wire. For several months following these procedures, the Davidsons will travel back and forth to UAB so that the voltage settings on the stimulator can be programmed. This will take place as frequently as every two weeks.

Because of her age, Samantha has to wait until after her 14th birthday on July 30 to be eligible for the surgery. This is because the device being implanted insider her is what is known as a "Humanitarian Use Device (HUD)," and without an approved exemption federal regulations dictate that it cannot be used on people under the age of 14.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) describes a HUD as, "a device that is intended to benefit patients by treating or diagnosing a disease or condition that affects or is manifested in fewer than 4,000 individuals in the United States per year."

"I am very positive about this surgery," said Shannon Davidson. "I don't have a choice. The past two years have been an emotionally trying time for us."

Benefits planned

Friends and family members of Samantha are sponsoring a Boston butt sale through July 6, to help defray some of the costs associated with the Davidson's upcoming trips to UAB. The butts cost $25 each and will be delivered on Saturday, July 18.

Members of the Fairford Volunteer Fire Department will host a wrestling match on July 18 at the fire station. Tickets are $10 each and all proceeds will go toward the same cause.

Other departments assisting in these benefits include the Yarbo, Wagarville and McIntosh fire departments, as well as the McIntosh Rescue Squad. Those interested in purchasing a Boston butt or tickets for the wrestling event may contact any member of these departments or call (251) 944-2000.

Anyone interested in assisting with either of these benefits may call (251) 944-7912 or 225- 1729.

An account has also been set up for the Davidsons at the McIntosh Chemical Federal Credit Union, for those wishing to make contributions to help with their expenses.