Dystonia Medical Research Foundation Canada

10/09/2026

💙 Real stories. Honest conversations. A stronger community.

What is it really like to live with dystonia, or to support someone who does?

Join us at the Dystonia GTHA Patient Support Health Fair: 50 Years of Community for our Patient & Caregiver Panel, where members of the dystonia community will share their lived experiences, challenges, successes, and the lessons they’ve learned along the way.

Come ready to listen, learn, connect, and ask questions during this meaningful conversation.

📅 Sunday, October 25, 2026
📍 BMO Education & Conference Centre, Toronto
🎟️ Free registration. Space is limited.

👉 Meet the panel and register: https://dystoniacanada.org/2026GTHASymposium

10/01/2026

Thank you to Highland Arts Theatre for shining a light on dystonia and helping raise awareness throughout September 💙

Throughout September, the Highland Arts Theatre has been proud to light up blue in recognition of Dystonia Awareness Month, joining landmarks across Cape Breton and across Canada in helping shine a light on this often misunderstood neurological condition. We’re especially pleased to see the HAT included among Dystonia Medical Research Foundation Canada’s official participating landmarks this year.

Dystonia is a neurological movement disorder that causes involuntary muscle contractions, which can result in repetitive movements, spasms, tremors, or abnormal and sometimes painful postures. It can affect a single part of the body or multiple areas, and its symptoms and severity vary considerably from person to person. Raising awareness can help improve understanding, support those living with dystonia and their families, and advance research toward better treatments and, ultimately, a cure.

As September comes to a close, we’re proud to have added a little more blue to downtown Sydney and to have played a small part in helping bring greater visibility to the dystonia community. 💙

Learn more about dystonia, Dystonia Awareness Month, resources and research through the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation Canada⁠.

https://dystoniacanada.org/dystoniaawarenessmonth

09/30/2026

The Fall/Winter 2026 Newsletter is now available! (Aussi maintenant disponible en français)📩

IN THIS ISSUE:
-Remembering Frances Belzberg (1927-2026)
-Research-in-Progress Spotlight: Investigational Oral Medication Study for Isolated Dystonia
-50 Years Research and Impact
-Physiotherapy and Dystonia
-September is Dystonia Awareness Month
-50th Anniversary Golden Symposia

Please check your mailboxes to find the latest news, campaign, and upcoming events.

To read the latest issue or to sign up for future issues, please visit https://dystoniacanada.org/newsletters

09/25/2026

In honour of and DMRF Canada’s 50th anniversary, we want to see you “Do It” for Dystonia! 💙

Whether you have a hobby you love, a special talent to share, or have been looking for the motivation to try something new, this is your chance to make a difference while raising funds and awareness for .

From birthday fundraisers and workout classes to bake sales and awareness initiatives—there are no limits! Whatever you choose, Do It for Dystonia—and do it for yourself.

Learn more and start your campaign today: www.dystoniacanada.org/doit

09/18/2026

💙 Dystonia awareness is shining bright in Cape Breton!

A huge thank you to the Cape Breton Regional Municipality for recognizing Dystonia Awareness Month with a flag raising and official proclamation!

We’re especially grateful to our Cape Breton Island Support Group Leader, Jason Young, for his continued dedication to raising awareness and making dystonia more visible in his community. 💙

09/08/2026

Join the National Virtual Dystonia Support Meeting on Saturday, September 12, 2026. Thank you to our volunteer Jennifer for hosting!

This online meeting is an opportunity to connect with others living with dystonia from across Canada, share experiences, learn from one another, and find support in a welcoming community.

Whether you’re newly diagnosed, have been living with dystonia for years, or are supporting a loved one, you’re welcome to join.

📅 Saturday, September 12, 2026
⏰️ 1PM to 3PM Central Time. Please check your corresponding time zone.
💻️ Online

To learn more, please visit: www.dystoniacanada.org/events/national-virtual-support-meeting-september-12th-2026

09/02/2026

💙 September is ! 💙

All month long, we’re coming together to shine a spotlight on dystonia — raising awareness, sharing stories, and uniting the community.

From coast to coast, you’ll also see landmarks glowing in blue and white in support of this important cause — just one of the many ways we’re making dystonia visible.

List of monuments lighting up so far - stay tuned for more!

1. CN Tower – Toronto, ON - September 6th
2. Niagara Falls- Ontario - September 10th
3. Nova Scotia, Lunenburg - Blue Nose II - Sept 10th
4. Halifax City Hall – Halifax, NS - September 10th
5. Esplanade Riel Bridge – Winnipeg, MB - September 10th
6. BC Place and Vancouver Convention Centre- Vancouver, BC - September 11th
7. CBRM City Hall - Nova Scotia - September 15th - September 30th
8. Cape Breton Police Station - Nova Scotia - September 15th - September 30th
9. Cape Breton Fire Station- Nova Scotia - September 15th - September 30th
10. Calgary Tower – Calgary, AB- September 16th
11. City of Saint John Sign– Saint John, NB – September 16th
12. Old Sydney Society - Nova Scotia - September 17th - September 30th
13. World's Biggest Fiddle (Port of Sydney)- Nova Scotia - September 18th-25th
14. Highland Arts Theatre - Nova Scotia - All of September

📅 Discover how you can get involved and see what’s happening this month:
🔗 www.dystoniacanada.org/dystoniaawarenessmonth

09/01/2026

💙 September is Dystonia Awareness Month!

This month, we come together to raise awareness of dystonia, a neurological movement disorder affecting more than 50,000 Canadians.

Together, we can increase understanding, reduce stigma, and ensure that no one living with dystonia feels alone.

💙 Share your journey with dystonia. Start a conversation. Help spread awareness.

Learn more and see how you can take part:
🔗 https://dystoniacanada.org/dystoniaawarenessmonth

08/31/2026

💙 Join the Greater Toronto Virtual Dystonia Support Group on Sunday, September 6th , 2026!

Whether you're living with dystonia, newly diagnosed, or supporting a loved one, you're welcome to join us for connection, conversation, and peer support.

The meetings provide a safe, welcoming space to share experiences, ask questions, and connect with others who understand. You don't have to face dystonia alone.

For more information and to register, please click on the link here :
https://dystoniacanada.org/upcoming-events

08/28/2026

Thank you to DMRF US for allowing us to share this webinar with the Canadian dystonia community.

If you are interested in attending and learning more, please see the post below for details and registration.

Deep brain stimulation can be a life-changing treatment for dystonia. Don’t miss this upcoming DMRF webinar with neurologist Neepa Patel, MD from Rush University in Chicago, along with DBS patient and DMRF Board member Liz Rawson.

📅 Wednesday, Sept. 9
⏰ 6:00 PM CT | 7:00 PM ET

Registration: https://dystonia-foundation.org/deep-brain-stimulation-webinar-sept-9/

Register now.