Hero of the Month

Contributed photo

Katie Strid, 14, of Caribou, was named the August Hero of the Month by the CubbyGives program. Nominated by family friend Sam Landeen of Caribou, she received $100. Strid was diagnosed at age 11 with early-onset primary torsion dystonia (DYT1) a disease which causes uncontrollable muscle movements and tremors.  She undergoes physical therapy, medication and bi-monthly neurologist visits, and is also consulting with a neurosurgeon to undergo deep brain stimulation, a very risky surgery performed on the brain while awake.  Strid is supported by her mother, Shelly, and her father, Tony Strid, who lost a 10-year-old nephew to this disease.  Despite missing two-thirds of her past school year, she managed to earn highest honors.  She wants to educate others about dystonia. To learn more go to: dystonia-foundation.org.