FAQ

Here is everything you need to know about the 5th Annual Walk for Talk. If you have any additional questions, please email walk@dysphonia.org or call us at 630-250-4504.

ABOUT THE EVENT

What is the 5th Annual Walk for Talk?
The 5th Annual Walk for Talk is a four-day event to benefit Dysphonia International. The goal is to bring together our community to walk, run, bike, swim, or however, you would like to participate, to both increase awareness of voice conditions and raise money to help us fund vital research to beat spasmodic dysphonia and related voice conditions. There is no cost to participate, but all donations will be matched, and 100% of the funds raised will make a real difference today and every day in the lives of those living with a voice disorder.

Where will the 5th Annual Walk for Talk take place?
You can participate no matter where you live. You pick the route in the park, through your neighborhood, or on a treadmill. You decide if you want to walk, jog, or run, and the event stretches over four days, so you have plenty of time to complete your goal. And if those four days do not work for you, you have the whole month of October to participate! Also, many of our local support groups are hosting in-person events, so be sure to check to see if there is one near you!

Why is it called Walk for Talk if I am participating in an alternate activity?
The event is called Walk for Talk, but it is not limited to walking. We are making it as inclusive as possible so you can pick whatever activity you feel most comfortable doing. The most important thing is for you to join us!

Why should I participate?
Our voice reveals much more than just words. It is an expression of our feelings, our personality, and even our identity. This diagnosis can be life-altering, affecting your relationships, employment, social activities, and even self-esteem. It is not uncommon to experience frustration or loss.  Our organization knows about the challenges those of us with voice disorders face. That’s why we walk, to help find answers, treatments, and hopefully a cure for spasmodic dysphonia and the related voice conditions that impact many in our community. 

Since 1989, the NSDA, now Dysphonia International, has been dedicated to improving the lives of people with spasmodic dysphonia and related voice conditions through research, education, awareness, and support. This is our biggest event fundraiser for 2024, and a special matching grant will double all donations. With our goal of $100,000 plus the matching gift, we hope to reach the $200K milestone. By raising this amount, we could fund at least two seed grants, along with smaller augmentative grants and travel awards to further the research toward eradicating this disorder and other voice conditions.

In addition, the annual Fall Voice Conference will be taking place on October 24-26, 2024, bringing together the leading healthcare professionals in voice. Our organization supports Research Travel Awards at this meeting so that researchers can present their findings and collaborate with others in the field. We are excited that these events are taking place in the same month because as we walk to raise funds for research, these experts are working to move our understanding forward of these life-challenging vocal disorders. READ ABOUT RECENT RESEARCH PROGRAMS

REGISTRATION

How do I sign-up?
You can sign up at HERE. Registration will remain open until October 31, 2024, so you can participate until the end of the month.

Does it cost anything to sign up?
No, it is FREE! We want to make sure everyone is welcome to participate so there is no registration fee to sign up and no minimum fundraising requirement. When you register, you can purchase swag, including t-shirts, hats, zip-up fleece jackets, pet bandanas, and more, in the Store.

If there is no registration fee, why do I have to register? 
By registering, you are counted as part of this event. We are excited to see how many locations we can have representation from, and registering helps us keep track of this. We would like to have people from all 50 states and as many countries as possible since we are now global!

If I don’t buy any swag, do I get anything? 
Yes, we will have virtual downloads, including signs and graphics you can share on social media.

DONATIONS AND FUNDRAISING 

Is my donation tax deductible? 
Yes, 100% of your donation to Dysphonia International is tax deductible. Our organization is a 501(c)3, and its tax ID number is 86-3907079.

How do I donate?
You can make donations using a credit card online by clicking on the Donate button on the Walk for Talk event site or through an individual or team's fundraising page. 

You can mail a check made payable to Dysphonia International to 300 Park Boulevard, Suite 175, Itasca, IL 60143. We can also deposit checks to NSDA if a donor is unaware of the name change. You can also call 630-250-4504 to donate over the phone. If a donation is made online, a thank you letter/receipt will be sent to the email address used to make the donation. If the donation is made by check or over the phone, a thank you letter/receipt will be mailed. 

Can I make a donation to the event without actually walking?
YES! If you would like to donate to the Walk for Talk event, please use any of the methods mentioned above.

Why does my credit card statement for my donation say "SignUp*WalkforTalk" and not Dysphonia International?
All donations will go to Dysphonia International. For this event, we are utilizing the online platform RunSignUp.com/GiveSignUp.org, which provides the online infrastructure to host it, including creating individual and team donation pages, managing groups, recording finishing times, and managing registration. This company is processing those donations on our behalf, which is why their name is on your credit card statement. If you have questions, reach out to walk@dysphonia.org or call 630-250-4504.

INDIVIDUAL AND TEAM FUNDRAISING

Why should I create a fundraising page?
Part of this event is to help raise funds to support the Dysphonia International Mission. Creating an individual fundraising page invites your family and friends to support you in your efforts! You can even encourage people to develop a team for fundraising.

How do I create an individual fundraising page during registration?

• Select Sign Up to begin the registration process.
• Enter all participant information and click Continue
• Select Become a Fundraiser
• Enter a name for your new Fundraiser
• Enter a goal for your new Fundraiser
• Add a message to describe your Fundraiser
• Create a custom URL
• Click Continue
• Complete your registration

How do I create a Fundraising Team during registration? 
First, create an individual fundraising page (see steps above)
Now you scroll down will create the Fundraising Team

• Enter a name for your Fundraising Team.
• Enter a goal for your new Fundraising Team.
• Add a message to describe your Fundraising Team
• Now select any donation levels that you would like to donate towards your Fundraiser
• Select who this donation will be on behalf of
• Click Continue
• Complete your registration

Can I create an individual donation page or join a fundraising team after I register? 
Yes, you can log in to the Walk site and go to your Profile page and click on My Registered Races. Then select Manage Registration. On the Manage Registration page, you can set up your fundraiser by going to the tab labeled Fundraiser. Then you can go to the option to Create or Join a Fundraising Team.

• Sign in to the Walk for Talk website
• Go to your Profile
• Click My Registered Races
• Click Manage next to the registration to Manage
• Click Fundraiser in the Top Menu to begin
• Use the process as described above

How can I get people to donate to my fundraising page?
You create a custom URL (website address) when creating an individual fundraising page. Then it will be easy to share your fundraising page with your family and friends by sending them the link through email or social media like Facebook. People can donate by going to your fundraising page and clicking the “Donate” button on your page. People can also donate by mailing a check and specifying your name, and we will add them to your online total. 

Do you have any fundraising tips?
You're not alone if you’re uncomfortable asking friends and family to give. It can feel challenging, but every dollar you raise can make a big difference to the Dysphonia International community. You are inviting them to support you and a cause that is important to you. Frankly, you can spend more time being nervous about asking than it takes to make your ask, so we say — go for it!

Here are some tips:

• Customize your individual fundraising page with a photo and share a little of your story. Your family and friends are more likely to get engaged if they see you there.
• Send your friends and family a personal message, including a link to your fundraising page, and even encourage them to walk with you. It doesn't even matter where they live. An email is a low-pressure invitation and can provide your story about why they should consider donating or participating in the Walk for Talk.
• Share your page on social media, and don't be afraid to share it more than once. People read social posts inconsistently, so being persistent will likely get you more views.
• Say thank you! After a friend or family member donates to your page, don't forget to thank them! Send them a nice note or post your gratitude on social media. They’ll be grateful, and you might encourage others to give, too.
• Send them information on the research funded from the previous Walk for Talk events and links to the videos so they can see what the event is all about!

Is there a fundraising minimum?
No, there is not, but we encourage each individual or group to set a goal for donations. And don’t worry if you don’t hit your goal. Just do your best!

WALK FOR TALK STORE

Where can I purchase promotional items for the 2024 Walk for Talk?
You can buy items either when you register or through the Store tab on the event website. Shipping within the United States is included. International shipping has an additional cost and will be calculated based on location. Please contact us at walk@dysphonia.org to determine the cost.

What items are available? 

WALK FOR TALK HAT | Help raise awareness with this hat sporting the Walk for Talk logo! Made of 100% polyester, so it’s versatile enough for casual wear or athletic events. UV protection helps prevent sunburn and makes this cap ideal for wearing outdoors. Moisture-wicking properties keep them cool, fresh, and dry. The hat features a six-panel construction for that classic ball cap look. A matching adjustable self-fabric strap with soft Velcro® closure provides a snug fit. The color is graphite and white. One size fits most. 

FLEECE JACKET | Raise awareness and stay warm with a fleece jacket with the Walk for Talk logo! This iron gray fleece comes in both men’s and women’s sizes. It is 8.3-oz, 100% polyester fleece material. Store personal items inside a pair of front zippered pockets or in a pair of interior pockets. Jackets include an open hem and cuffs for an unrestrictive fit. It has a full-zip design, reverse-coil zipper, chin guard, and twill neck taping. 

WALK FOR TALK UMBRELLA | This bright red and white striped nylon/polyester blend umbrella has a 44" arc, auto open, a rubber handle, and a wrist strap. It measures 13" inches long when closed, making it handy to take with you. Suitable for both rain and sun protection, it features both Walk for Talk and Dysphonia International logos on two panels.

PET BANDANA | Your pet is your best supporter, so why not get some swag for them? You can include them during your walk with this 100% cotton fabric bandana in red, which has a special version of the Walk for Talk logo with paw prints. The bandana size is 22” x 22” x 30”, which even works for smaller dogs.

GOLD LAPEL PIN | These gold-tone lapel pins feature the new Dysphonia International Logo and the organization's name. It is a great way to show off your pride in our organization and mission and raise awareness year-round! Add them to your jacket, shirt, hat, or even backpack. Measurements are 3/4" x 1" for the pin.

STICKER PACK | Raise awareness with this sticker pack. It contains five high-quality stickers with different designs and sizes featuring Walk for Talk and Dysphonia International. Each sticker is printed on a thick, durable vinyl with a matte finish which protects it from scratches, water & sunlight.

If you require shipping outside of the United States, there is an additional postage fee. Please contact us at walk@dysphonia.org to determine the cost.

Will I get my items before the event? 
Please order before October 7, 2024 (United States only) to ensure you have your items for the event. If you order after October 7, 2024, we will make every effort to get it to you before the event, but we cannot guarantee it. Allow 1 to 2 weeks for shipping. Delivery by the date of the event is not guaranteed for international shipping. 

Is my race purchase from the store considered a taxable deduction? 
No, purchases of items like hats, umbrellas, pet bandanas, etc, are not tax-deductible. Donations to Dysphonia International are 100% tax-deductible. 

Why was I charged sales tax for a charitable fundraising walk event? 
Due to the recent tax changes, sales tax is charged based on the state where the participant/buyer resides. Currently, four states charge sales taxes for race merchandise. If you live in one of those states, you may see sales tax included in your purchase at the Walk for Talk store.

Why does my credit card statement for my store purchase say SignUp*WalkForTalk  not Dysphonia International?
For this event, we are utilizing the online platform RunSignUp.com/GiveSignUp.com which provides the online infrastructure to host this virtual event. All proceeds from the store go to Dysphonia International. This company is processing these transactions on our behalf. If you have questions, reach out to walk@dysphonia.org or call 630-250-4504.

ADDITIONAL SWAG

This year we have an on-demand store on Printify. Here you can order a large selection of styles of T-shirts, tanks, long-sleeve shirts, and more! You order directly from the site. Dysphonia International provides this store as a service, but it is not directly responsible for any of the orders. Any returns or questions would be discussed directly with the manufacturer. 

SPONSORSHIP

How do I become a sponsor for the event? 
Sponsorship is a great way to show your support for our 4th Annual Walk for Talk event and Dysphonia International. There are a number of sponsorship levels that can showcase your business and your dedication to our community both on an organizational level and a local level. There are some additional opportunities for sponsorship at a local level for our in-person Walks. Ask your workplace if they would like to become a sponsor or match donations. In-kind donations are welcome too! Click here to learn about more options.  Please contact Executive Director Kimberly Kuman at kkuman@dysphonia.org or 630-250-4504 to learn more about the program. Thank you for your support!