The DMRF Canada believes the best service it can provide the dystonia community is to work every day toward improved therapies and a cure. How will we get there? Here are some of our key approaches:
Work with the best people. The Medical & Scientific Advisory Council is made up of dystonia clinicians and scientists who are among the most knowledgeable in the world and whose work is shaping neurology, neuroscience, neurosurgery, and related fields.
Fill in the gaps. The DMRF Canada, in partnership with the DMRF, partners with the with investigators to answer specific questions about dystonia by working on specific problems. Research contracts have been used to fund new cell and animal models, pursue potential drug targets, study specific genes and proteins, and better understand neuronal pathways associated with dystonia.
Provide researchers with the tools they need. The DMRF Canada, in partnership with the DMRF has funded the development of cell and animal models that allow dystonia investigators at multiple centers to pursue specific lines of research. The Brain Bank Collective oversees a private collection of donated brain tissue available exclusively to dystonia researchers.
Get the community involved. The DMRF Canada works to empower affected individuals and families to make their voices heard in their communities with a goal to advocate on the need for additional federal research funding and access to treatment.
Partner with other dystonia organizations. We cannot cure dystonia alone. The patient community wins when like-minded organizations work together to connect investigators and support a worldwide cooperative effort.
Don’t Stop. Because every member of the DMRF Canada Board of Directors is personally affected by dystonia, there is no other option but to keep working toward a cure. The work will be complete when no other person or family is ever again burdened by dystonia.