For Laurence Guénette-Rochon of Quebec City, Freedom to Move is about connection, resilience, and hope. At just 27 years old, Laurence is navigating life with cervical dystonia and using her voice to remind others that they are not alone.

Laurence’s journey with dystonia began in the fall of 2022 with a subtle but unsettling sense that something was not quite right. “At first, it was just a general sense of discomfort. I didn’t quite know how to describe it; I just kept saying that my neck felt ‘funny.’”

Despite months of physiotherapy, her symptoms gradually worsened. Nearly 18 months after those first signs, following a referral to a neurologist and a series of tests, Laurence received an official diagnosis of cervical dystonia.

While the diagnosis brought clarity, it also marked a turning point. The long diagnostic process, though difficult, gave Laurence and her family time to prepare for what lay ahead. “By the time the diagnosis came, we were already in solution mode. The shock was behind us, and we were ready to take the next step.”

Determined to connect with others who truly understood her experience, Laurence and her family travelled from Quebec City to Toronto to attend DMRF Canada’s in-person event in 2025.

It was an important moment of connection and affirmation, reinforcing that community matters.

Her decision to participate in Freedom to Move was driven by a desire to break the isolation she felt after diagnosis. What she found was understanding, shared experience, and renewed optimism. “What I was really looking for was a little bit of hope, and I was not disappointed.”

Looking ahead, Laurence hopes to manage her symptoms effectively so she can return to work and lead an independent life. She also remains hopeful that ongoing research will lead to better treatments, and ultimately, to a future where dystonia can be cured.

By registering for Freedom to Move, you are standing alongside ambassadors like Laurence. Every step taken and every dollar raised helps fund research and support programs, bringing us closer to a future where no one has to face dystonia alone.