Send Katie to Present at IHS 52 Symposium

Hi everyone! I've submitted a proposal to give a presentation on Focal Embouchure Dystonia at IHS 52 (International Horn Society's 52nd Symposium) in Eugene, Oregon (August 3rd-8th, 2020). Their theme this year is "The Healthy Horn" and specifically centered around musician health and injuries. 

As many of you know, I write a blog called "Living with Embouchure Dystonia" which has documented my rehabilitation over the span of 10 years, including shared resources, research, and information on other performance-related injuries. I also have started support groups online for musicians with dystonia.  https://focalembouchuredystonia.blogspot.com or https://www.focalembouchuredystonia.com .  Being an advocate for FTSED and injury awareness, this symposium represents everything I'm passionate about, but also what I cope with and what I help others with. 

However, these past two years I've been struggling with more dire health issues. From a miscarriage, having gallbladder surgery, suffering from anemia, vertigo, sleep apnea, heart problems, to ovarian cancer screening, hysterectomy surgery coming up, and my struggles to get health insurance consistently. It has cost a lot of upfront charges, including hefty debt/bills that will be with me for the rest of my life.

That being said, I've never been to an IHS symposium before, and there's never been an entire instrumental symposium centered around talking about musician health and injuries. This is a huge step in awareness and engagement within this developing field. It would be great if I could be a part of it. It has always been a dream of mine to give a presentation on Focal Embouchure Dystonia; more specifically - rehabilitation strategies, which has never been openly documented or spoken about before.  What has helped me may not work for everyone, and I certainly don't claim to know all the answers or a cure. But I do know the importance of being open about recovery methods and strategies, because no one shares them. 

It would mean the world if any amount (doesn't matter how small) was given to help me reach my goal. I'm not one to ask for financial help ever, but I would be so grateful for it during this time of financial/medical setbacks...to help me achieve one of my biggest dreams. I feel that if I don't at least try asking, I will miss out on this rare event. I know a presentation seems like a small thing, but to me, it is everything. I will be posting a video here soon.

Proposal acceptance will be approved or rejected after March 1st, 2020. In order to be approved, I must be registered for the symposium (the costs listed below must be paid upfront) and have a current IHS membership.

Here is the breakdown of the costs to attend. It would be great to be there the full week since the theme of this symposium means so much to me. But if all else fails, I can try to do a 2-day attendance if they allow it for presenters. To verify costs you can look at the IHS 52 registration website:  https://www.ihs52.com/registration/

(OPTION A) FULL WEEK
Early Bird Full Registration prior to May 1st (IHS Member): $300
On-Campus Housing including Meal Plan/Single Room/Full week: $665
*I also booked a Hotel Room encase I can't get campus housing, which costs $656.04 for the week, but no meal plan. Cancellation policy = 48 hrs in advance.
Overnight Parking Pass: $60 for the week
Gas/Travel: $200-240'ish (Driving from Denver, CO to Eugene, OR and back)
GROSS TOTAL FOR FULL WEEK = $1,265.00 (Due before May 1st, 2020)

(OPTION B) TWO DAYS
IHS Day Pass: $80.00 / 2 days = $160 total
Hotel: 2 days $66.60 per night = $133.20 total
Gas/Travel: $200-240
Food: $100
GROSS TOTAL FOR 2 DAYS= $633.20 (Due before August 1st, 2020)

Thank you to any family and friends who feel like donating. There's no way I can contain my excitement or express the gratitude I have for the help given. It means the world to me! 

- Katie