LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Dear Editor,

I saw Charlotte Austin’s article “Dare to Listen. Dare to Speak.”

Minister’s Moment) in the Kilgore News Herald

http://www.kilgorenewsherald.c om/news/2009-09- 26/Advice_(and)_Entertainment/ DARE_TO_LISTEN_DA RE_TO_SPEAK.html), regarding Scott Adams’ struggles with spasmodic dysphonia. My wife was diagnosed with spasmodic dysphonia about four years ago, so I am very familiar with the disorder and follow closely any news related to it. As you may know, there is no cure for this disorder, and the only treatment, regular shots of Botox to the vocal chords, has limited benefits.

Your article states that Mr. Adams was “healed of his affliction” by reciting a rhyme from his children’s homework, and then you connect this healing to Jesus. I am very aware of Mr. Adams’ struggles with spasmodic dysphonia and want you to know that he has very publicly said this rhyming technique did not heal him of the disorder. In fact, Mr. Adams has since gotten enervation/ enervation surgery last year, which is an experimental treatment for spasmodic dysphonia that has the risk of resulting in the patient losing his or her voice entirely.

While I appreciate the intentions of your article, I want you to know that it’s based on false information ... false information that you’re now spreading around the world, leading to further misinformation and confusion, regarding spasmodic dysphonia, as well as false hope in the minds of patients struggling with this disease everyday.

I encourage you to include a correction in this article, if possible, or in your next article, to clarify this very important point. Please understand that very little is known about spasmodic dysphonia, and very few doctors are familiar with this disorder, so misinformation like your article is especially harmful.

Respectfully, Nicholas Miller Intercast Media, Inc. Los Angeles, Calif.