: The Michael J. Fox Foundation

Existing evidence suggests that women are more likely than men to volunteer for clinical research. Progress in PPMI recruitment thus far supports this claim, especially in the control volunteer group. More than one year into the study, only 25% of expected male controls have enrolled. By comparison, expected female controls have already been exceeded by 50%.

At MJFF, we know that men are willing to participate in clinical research. This is why we've launched 100 Husbands, which celebrates the men — whether they are husbands, sons, uncles, fathers or friends — whose participation in clinical research is helping speed breakthroughs that will impact the lives of millions of men and women.

Underenrollment in trials like PPMI slows research progress, and we all pay the price in terms of higher costs and longer time horizons to therapeutic breakthroughs. The dedicated engagement of patient and control volunteers, and of men in particular, in PPMI will increase our chances to quickly identify universal biomarkers — game changers in the development of disease-modifying treatments for Parkinson's. Whether you have PD or not, you can be an agent of change. Step up to join 100 Husbands by volunteering for PPMI or another clinical trial. You could be the key that helps us unlock a cure to Parkinson's.

MEET SOME OF OUR 100 HUSBANDS

Dan Andrews, of Knoxville, Tennessee, was one of the first volunteers to register on Fox Trial Finder. Diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease at age 36, he believes that getting people into clinical trials is a crucial step in identifying new treatments on the road to a cure. Dan says, “When you have Parkinson’s, especially young-onset, you’re up against the clock. If there is anything that I can do to help, I’ll do it. I will go full throttle until we find a cure.”

Read Dan’s full story.
Marc Jaffe from Cleveland, Ohio, doesn't have Parkinson's disease. He is participating in PPMI to honor his wife, Karen, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's four years ago.

Hear from Marc on the importance of getting involved.
Steav Bates-Congdon, of Waxhaw, North Carolina, was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease in 1997. While he was interested in participating in clinical research, he didn’t have success connecting to trials in his area — until the launch of Fox Trial Finder. “I can’t donate millions to fund Parkinson’s research,” he says, “but I can participate in clinical research. This is one donation I can make. The truth is that we won’t always qualify for the trials we’re interested in first. What’s important is not to give up — you have to keep looking for the perfect match.” Read more about Steav.
Peter Bleiberg of Boston, Massachusetts was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2007. In the last four years, he has participated in three clinical trials. Peter says, "Too many Parkinson's patients stay cloistered in their shells. I felt that getting involved in research could help me on many levels. One of the most valuable aspects has been the feeling that I've contributed something that could help speed a cure."
Tom Peplinski from California's Bay Area doesn't have Parkinson's disease. He is participating in PPMI with his wife and high-school sweetheart, Carol, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2008. Tom says, "Carol and I met in seventh grade and started dating in tenth. We got married in our 20's and are now approaching 60 years old. We've been living the same experiences our entire lives and I don't want her to have to go through this alone."
Paul Cohen of Northbrook, Illinois, doesn't have Parkinson's disease. He is participating in PPMI to honor and hopefully help his best friend, Dave, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2007. Paul says, "I heard about PPMI in the newspaper and I knew that I needed to participate. No amount of money can replace what I am doing and there is no PD connection in my family. So, enrolling just made sense."