Retired Dancer Thrown Off Balance By Vestibular Disorder

SEATTLE, Sept. 4, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- From a very young age Iris T. knew she wanted to become a dancer. Now 80 years young, Iris had a successful career performing in Paris, Rome and cities throughout the United States. One of the many highlights of her career was sharing the stage with the famous Josephine Baker. Another highlight was performing in Germany and France for troops who had fought in World War II. Committed to giving back to her community, Iris is sharing her personal story about her struggle with balance problems to help raise awareness about the disabling impact a vestibular (inner ear) disorder can have on a person's life.

As many as 35% of adults aged 40 years or older in the U.S. —approximately 69 million Americans—have experienced some form of vestibular dysfunction. That's why Iris has joined the Vestibular Disorder Association (VEDA) to celebrate Balance Awareness Week from September 15-21, 2014. As a VEDA Ambassador, Iris is encouraging others – especially people who experience dizziness, vertigo, or imbalance - to visit VEDA's website at vestibular.org  to learn about vestibular disorders.

Iris' struggle with dizziness began in 1998, when she was at a restaurant with a friend and began to feel disoriented. Every couple of minutes she would forget where she was. She became very frightened, wondering how she was going to make it home. Several weeks later, Iris awoke to find the room around her violently spinning, a sensation she now knows is called vertigo. After seeking help from specialists at the University of Washington Medical Center, Iris was diagnosed with a vestibular disorder. While Iris will never again live without the fear of wondering when the next vertigo attack may come, she has learned how to manage her symptoms and regain a sense of control over her life.

Iris is dedicated to a lifestyle that includes meditation, a healthy diet, and daily exercise. She still dances, jumps rope, and takes classes that focus on balance.

"We can't thank Iris enough for her willingness to share her story and bring hope to those searching for answers through a sea of misunderstanding about dizziness, balance and other vestibular disorders," says Sheelah Woodhouse, President of VEDA's Board of Directors.

The goal of Balance Awareness Week is to "Defeat Dizziness(TM)" by helping people recognize the symptoms of a vestibular disorder and urging them to seek help from a professional vestibular specialist.  VEDA encourages friends and family of those suffering from a vestibular disorder to learn how balance dysfunction can impact their loved one's ability to perform common day-to-day activities. 

For interviews with Iris or more information, please contact Tony Staser at 213-590-5360 or email at [email protected]. For more information about the VEDA, please visit vestibular.org.

Video - http://origin-qps.onstreammedia.com/origin/multivu_archive/PRNA/ENR/FX-VESTIBULAR-IRIS-090314.mp4

SOURCE Vestibular Disorders Association