I Remember a Different Me
After growing up in Dallas, Rogers Hartmann moved to Los Angeles to begin what would be an almost twenty year career in the film business managing screenwriters, directors and novelists. She continues to manage clients, but is currently producing film and television, as well. In June of 2008, Rogers was diagnosed with Dystonia, more specifically, Spasmodic Torticollis. Almost immediately, Rogers was invited to appear on Oprah with Michael J. Fox, The Today Show with Meredith Vieira and NBC in the Dallas/Forth Worth Metroplex. She then decided to take a break from television interviews, so she could focus more time on writing articles for a variety of publications, some local and some national. It is estimated that over 400 million people have seen her personal story.
You can learn more about Rogers’ organization Beat Dystonia at lifewithdystonia.com.
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Wonderful speech! Thank you! I suffer from CD and Generalized Dystonia.
I love your speech. It is so true that people think we are slow intellectually and that they have preconceived notions about everyone who is disabled. Funny enough, the more I show my intelligence the more people have to take a step back and reevaluate what they think of me. In the minds of many people having a movement disorder and being bright some how does not go hand and hand.
I love my botox shots and can’t write with out them. It feels like a miracle when I receive it in my arm. It felt like someone gave me back my life and I have not stopped writing since them. Words are my best friend. I will gladly take my 21 shots without one tear.
I have botox in my neck but also have dystonia through out my body. I have had it for 42 years. I too am a writer who has written about dystonia and given local speeches. I am also an artists and perhaps I will write a book involving art, poetry, and articles or a story.
I am trying to find a job as a writer in the arts. If you have any suggestions, I would love to hear them. I live in New Jersey and I refuse to let dystonia ruin my life.