Freedom to Move: Run, Walk, and Wheel for Dystonia in June 2025
Every June Canadians from coast-to-coast unite to raise awareness and critical funds for dystonia. To date, Freedom to Move has raised over $1 million to fund research, support programs, and advocacy efforts for people living with dystonia. We invite you to join us in a celebration of strength, community, and determination to make a positive impact for those living with dystonia. You can complete a walk, run, or wheel either virtually in your own community or join us in-person.
Freedom to Move Update 2025
Thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s Freedom to Move: Run, Walk and Wheel for Dystonia. Whether you joined the in‑person Toronto event on June 8 or completed your run, walk, or wheel virtually between June 1–30, your support made an incredible impact.
At a Glance
- 130 participants
- 37 cities across 7 provinces
- Over $50,000 raised for dystonia research and support programs
Funds raised directly support initiatives like the Clinical and Research Fellowship at SickKids Hospital. To learn more about the 2025 Fellowship recipient, see the related feature in this issue.
Ambassador Appreciation
Special thanks to our Freedom to Move Family Ambassadors, Ken and Ruth Jenkins, for their outstanding efforts in rallying more awareness for dystonia through personal advocacy and community engagement.
Top Fundraisers
A special congratulations to our top three individual fundraisers:
- 1. Mary Guy
- 2. Oliver Jaakkola
- 3. Geoffrey Allan
Special Recognition: Lives in Motion Video Contest
Congratulations to Jirome De Castro, the winner of our video contest. Jirome’s inspiring submission captured the spirit of resilience, hope, and community.
For more details and photos please see our Fall/Winter 2025 Newsletter : Page 6
Source: Dystonia Canada Report – Fall/Winter 2025, p. 6. Adapted for clarity and accessibility.
Corporate Team Discount:
Available for in-person Toronto teams with 10+ participants.
Please email us info@dystoniacanada.org for more information.
Don't forget to share your progress with us on social media by using the hashtag #FreedomToMove!
Fundraising/Social Media Resources:
- Freedom to Move Video Contest: Lives in Motion
What’s the Contest About?
Freedom to Move is more than just a fundraising initiative—it's a movement to raise awareness and bring dystonia to the forefront. This year, we challenge YOU to join the viral movement! Share a video of how you move—whether it's navigating life with dystonia or participating in an activity for the cause. Your video raises awareness and sparks understanding of this condition. Let’s move for dystonia—because everyone deserves the freedom to move.
Who Can Participate?Everyone is welcome! Whether you have dystonia or are a friend, family member, or ally, we encourage YOU to take part. Note: While this contest is open to all, we encourage you to create your Freedom to Move fundraising page to maximize your impact and help support the cause.
What to Film?Share a video that highlights how you move—whether it’s your personal story, an activity you enjoy, or your fundraising journey.
If you have dystonia or are sharing a loved one’s experience, please consider including the following:What does life with dystonia look like without support?
How has your life changed with treatment and support?
Why is supporting dystonia awareness and DMRF Canada so important?
Keep it short—under 1 minute—but make it meaningful!
How to Submit?Post your video on social media, use #FreedomToMove, and tag DMRF Canada.
Challenge 3 people to join by tagging them!
This is your chance to make a real difference! Your story will help raise awareness, inspire others, and show what it’s like to live with dystonia. Whether you’re supporting loved ones or advocating for the newly diagnosed, your video can bring hope and drive critical support for research and programs.Incentives and Deadline
The video with the most shares and likes wins an exciting Prize Pack to celebrate their impact! Don’t wait—contest ends June 30! Share your video today and be part of this powerful movement to raise awareness and fund research. Your story could spark real change!
*Note: Contest entries and eligibility are open to Canadian residents only.- Logo
- Press Release
https://dystoniacanada.org/news/press-release
A Critical Call to Action for the Dystonia, Hydrocephalus & Spina Bifida Communities
Rising Costs, Fewer Sponsors: Why Community Support Is More Urgent Than EverToronto, ON – May 26, 2025 –
This June, Canadians from coast to coast are invited to unite in support of the over 50,000 individuals in Canada living with dystonia, a debilitating and often misunderstood neurological movement disorder.
The Dystonia Medical Research Foundation (DMRF) Canada is proud to lead Freedom to Move: Run, Walk, and Wheel for Dystonia, a national awareness and fundraising initiative that has raised over $1 million to date for critical research, support programs, and advocacy efforts. This year’s campaign is proudly supported by our 2025 Freedom to Move Family Ambassadors, Ken and Ruth Jenkins, and our valued sponsor, the Ontario Brain Institute (OBI). Participants can join virtually from their communities or attend in person on June 8 at Downsview Park in Toronto.Powered by Partnership
This event is presented by DMRF Canada in proud partnership with Hydrocephalus Canada, reflecting our shared commitment to improving the lives of individuals impacted by neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions. Together, we’re making a greater impact—united in voice, action, and hope.This year's event takes on added significance.
Amid inflation and economic instability, major sponsors across North America are stepping back—leaving a significant gap in funding for essential health charities. For organizations like DMRF Canada and our event partner, Hydrocephalus Canada, this means that programs, supports services, and critical health services are at risk.Now, more than ever, we are calling on individuals, families, and communities to step forward and help safeguard the future of these services. Your registration, donation, and voice help ensure that people living with dystonia, hydrocephalus, and spina bifida don’t face these challenges alone.
Freedom to Move is more than a walk—it’s a movement.
Whether you walk, run, or wheel, your participation sends a powerful message of unity and hope. Together, we are celebrating resilience, pushing for progress, and fueling real change for those impacted by dystonia and other complex neurological conditions.EVENT DETAILS
Event: Freedom to Move: Run, Walk, and Wheel for Dystonia
Date: Sunday, June 8, 2025
Time: 9:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Location: Downsview Park – Orchard Pavilion, 70 Canuck Ave, North York, ON M3K 2C
Register Dystonia Here: www.freedomtomove.org- Fundraising Resources
- Social Media
- Info Pack
