In Memoriam: Blair Ford, MD

DMRF leadership is deeply saddened to report the death of movement disorder specialist Blair Ford, MD, Medical Director for the Center for Neuromodulation and Movement Disorder Surgery at Columbia University Medical Center. Steven Frucht, MD, Co-Founder of the Leon Fleisher Foundation for Musicians with Dystonia, authored the fitting tribute below. “It is with great sadness […]

DMRF Formalizes Commitment to Mental Health

At a Glance: Untreated mental health disorders reduce quality of life for individuals with dystonia. The Covid-19 pandemic has taken a global toll on peoples’ mental health. DMRF created a Mental Health Programming Committee to formalize efforts to address mental health needs. The hallmark symptoms of dystonia are involuntary movements and postures, but this only […]

September is Dystonia Awareness Month

An estimated 250,000 people in the United States have dystonia, a chronic movement disorder affecting the brain and nervous system. It is the third most common movement disorder after essential tremor and Parkinson disease. Dystonia causes excessive, uncontrollable muscle spasms. The muscle spasms twist the body and limbs into involuntary movements and awkward postures. Estimates […]

2nd Toledo Zoo Day Promotes Dystonia Awareness & Unites Community

On Saturday, August 27, the 2nd Toledo Dystonia Zoo Day returned after a two year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The event was organized by DMRF supporter Kristin Cinglie. “It was an amazing day of raising awareness, connecting with old and new friends and growing our local dystonia support community!” she said. “I am […]

Dystonia Zoo Day Season Has Begun!

On Thursday, August 18, DMRF officially launched a series of Dystonia Zoo Day events with a Virtual Kick-Off Celebration. DMRF President Mark Rudolph and Executive Director Janet Hieshetter provided a preview of in-person and virtual Dystonia Zoo Day events scheduled for August through October and introduced viewers to in-person Dystonia Zoo Day hosts and DMRF […]

DMRF Co-Funds Dystonia Coalition Pilot Project Awards

The DMRF is proud to partially support two Dystonia Coalition Pilot Project Awards. The goal of the Pilot Projects Program is to foster the most promising clinical and translational studies on dystonia. Moodscreen for Cervical Dystonia: A Diagnostic Accuracy Study of Depression and Anxiety Davide Martino, MD, PhD, University of Calgary Depression and anxiety frequently […]

9th Annual Rockin’ for a Cure Raises $147K for Dystonia Research

The 9th Annual “Rockin’ for a Cure” organized by Robin and Marc Miller of New York on July 14 raised $147,000 for urgently-needed dystonia research. The event supported the Cure Dystonia Now Fund of the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF). Sponsors included Allergan, an AbbVie Company; Reliance First Capital; and Command Direct. Over the past […]

Everybody’s Zoo-ing It: Dystonia Zoo Days Start August 18

Logo that reads "Dystonia Zoo Day 2022" with illustrations of animals.

The DMRF is pleased to return to in-person events in select cities to re-unite the dystonia community, promote awareness, and support the mission to find a cure. We’re especially excited to announce this year’s Dystonia Zoo Day season, with both in-person events and virtual opportunities to participate. A Virtual Kick-Off Celebration on August 18, 2022 will mark […]

New Dystonia Strong Awareness Merchandise

Celebrate the strength and resilience of the dystonia community while increasing awareness with DMRF’s new line of “Dystonia Strong” merchandise. Available items include a Dystonia Strong baseball style shirt, yard flag, notecards, magnet, and banner. September may be Dystonia Awareness Month, but promoting awareness is essential all year. Shop now.

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