Whether you’re living with Parkinson’s or supporting someone who is, raising funds to support our ambitious research goals, participating in a research study, working at the Foundation or advocating for policy change, you are a vital part of our community.
In our Fall/Winter 2025 issue of Fox Focus on Parkinson's, we asked our community members one simple question: What’s your why? In this special feature, learn more about what drives our community to fundraise, advocate, participate, and show up each day. Read the full issue here.
At MJFF, ending Parkinson’s is our why. What’s yours? Share your response by sending an email to newslettereditor@michaeljfox.org.
Avana Grace
Parkinson’s Unity Walk Captain for Team Chopra
At first, I wasn't sure what it meant to lead. But I've realized it's really a team effort. Visibility matters and putting on something that says Team Chopra reminds me of the legacy of our family. I'm grateful for everyone that supports us because it gives us all the chance to help raise awareness. I'm proud to be part of Team Chopra every day.
Read more of Avana's story: Next Gen Leader: Team Chopra’s Unity Walk Captain in Action
The Kelly Family
Team Fox fundraisers
Ellen and Michael Kelly
We’ve been fighting the fight for 21 years, and we’ve met a lot of good people along the way. Our relationships through Team Fox have blossomed. The people we know… they’re family now. Sharing the same goal has brought us together with so many special people, and that’s been such a big part of why we continue. We did the Riverview Run two or three times. We did a brewery fundraiser as well, which turned out to be a huge hit.
Our experience with the Foundation and Team Fox has been nothing but a positive influence in our lives. Michael never complains, and he’ll try anything; he’s a big advocate. We’re always willing to talk to people who are new to Parkinson’s. We do this so that hopefully, we can find a cure.
Mary Kelly
We’ve been part of the MJFF/Team Fox family for more years than I can remember. Team Fox has been a constant support to us, and to all of the friends we’ve met throughout the years. We cherish our relationships with everyone we’ve met. It’s been amazing to not only support other fundraisers, but to receive support in return.
I ran one New York City Marathon with my dad and sister, as well as several New York City Half Marathons. We’ve hosted multiple events — fundraisers at Newburgh Brewing Company, road races, dinners and photo sessions — which have collectively raised nearly $200,000 since we started fundraising with Team Fox in 2009. Dad has run an inspiring four New York City Marathons for Team Fox and to this day, continues to use exercise and movement as a way to stay ahead of the progression of this disease. He is a constant source of inspiration to those around him.
Vivek Puri
Team Fox Fundraiser
In 2024, I set my most ambitious fundraising goal: Raising $150,000 in honor of my 50th birthday. I chose to support both Team Fox and UpENDing Parkinson’s, a nonprofit I’m part of that provides guided rock climbing for people with PD — a therapy that’s benefitted my Parkinson’s tremendously. Fundraising was slow at first; I resigned myself to maybe hitting $80,000. But UpENDing Parkinson’s was featured on "CBS Sunday Morning" and "TODAY" — and next thing I knew, I had raised about $185,000. I still get the jitters (not the PD kind!) when I tell this story.
Read more of Vivek's story: 150 for 50: Vivek Puri's Biggest Birthday Gift Yet
Eric Amanfu
An Early Employee
I was one of the first four employees at MJFF. I remember the day of my interview; it was at Chelsea Piers where Michael was filming "Spin City." The work we do — the impact it has on people’s lives — is what drives me to stay. I worked in investment banking before coming here. The mission of the Foundation, and the feeling that I could contribute in a meaningful way, drew me in.
Over the last 25 years, I’ve met and worked with so many good, smart, and intelligent people. We’re a very ambitious organization; if you’re the type of person who likes to be challenged and always wants to learn new things, then this is the place to be — especially in my line of work. There’s always something new that needs to be resolved, updated, or pursued.
Every day, I make sure our work isn’t disrupted so that the scientists and other people on the frontlines can focus on pursuing their work toward finding a cure. Our business is to go out of business, and IT is a critical part of making that happen. We try and measure our contributions. We’re not scientists; we’re not on the front lines in the same way they are. But we’re making sure that people on the front line have the right tools they need to get the job done.
Keerthika Subramanian
Longtime MJFF Supporter
I’m a long-time patron of the Foundation and have donated tens of thousands of dollars over the past decade. I have also supported events like the annual gala in New York City and the Palm Beach Luncheon.
I support The Michael J. Fox Foundation in this way to help accelerate research for a cure. I want to raise awareness of the impact that PD has on families. My mother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at age 50, while my sister and I were still in school; it’s taken a significant toll on my family over the years. I credit my amazing parents for trying to instill a sense of normalcy, supporting me through Yale Law School and my sister through Harvard Medical School. Parkinson’s has, at times, robbed us of mundane, everyday pleasures and formal milestones that others often take for granted.
Diana Rodriguez
Research Participant
My first sign of Parkinson’s was a tremor in my right hand. During my research, I came across the Parkinson’s Progression Marker Initiative (PPMI) study. Participating in PPMI was the best decision I’ve made throughout my journey, and I know that my little contribution is one of the many puzzle pieces that add up to a bigger picture. I know my bigger purpose of this diagnosis is to use my voice to help others, spread awareness and do my part to help find a cure. Getting involved can be the most freeing and purpose-filled thing you do. It changes the narrative from fear to action.
Read more of Diana's story: My Research Journey: Changing the Narrative from Fear to Action
Susana Olague
A New Face at the Foundation
Joining MJFF feels like a homecoming. I’m a writer who finds joy in sharing with supporters how they make an impact. Writing about medical research with clarity and hope is inspiring. It’s so rewarding to do this every day.
But what’s felt most like home is the connection and commitment of the MJFF community. The values driving the community’s urgency and passion are ones I share. Each day at MJFF is a strengthening and celebration of those values. It’s an honor to add my own energy to pursuing a cure and better treatments for Parkinson's disease.
Elizabeth Disbrow, PhD
Parkinson’s Researcher
There are so many barriers to genetic research; it’s exciting to be part of a global effort to overcome them. We need samples from a truly massive number of people to crack the complex genetic code and ultimately provide precision medicine for people with PD.
Through BLAAC PD — a study to learn more about genetic changes that may cause Parkinson’s in underrepresented populations — we are learning that there are important genetic differences across racial groups that are key to finding a cure that fits everyone. This unique large-scale study would not be possible without MJFF, the Global Parkinson’s Genetics Program (GP2), and Aligning Science Across Parkinson’s (ASAP).
Ellen and Jonah Zimiles
Parkinson’s Care Partners
We have a family member diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease at age 33. The Foundation has been our primary source of information, strength, and support. Perhaps most importantly, MJFF is our greatest hope for medical breakthroughs to stop disease progression and discover treatments — and a cure — during our family member’s lifetime.
We’ve been awed (blown away, bowled over, amazed, and incredibly impressed) by MJFF’s ability to stay focused on its objectives, and how its team and supporters are fervently aligned in their commitment to combatting PD. We’re so grateful for the critical help that MJFF has provided our family and countless others and are honored to be part of the MJFF family.
The Wilde Family
A Family of Foundation Supporters
Tom and Stephanie Wilde
The reason we support the Foundation is simple: MJFF gives us hope every day. MJFF is the leader in finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease.
We support MJFF in a number of areas, from direct donations to advocacy activities. We participate in quarterly Parkinson’s Progression Marker Initiative (PPMI) data collection efforts, support and participate in Fox Insights data collection and online clinical study and participated in genetic testing and counseling with Indiana University in collaboration with MJFF. We were panelists at the PDIQ Delaware event, we’ve participated in the Washington, D.C. Run/Walk series, and have played in and sponsored multiple groups at the Michael J. Fox Breaking Parkinson’s Golf Outing/Fundraiser.
Alix Wilde
The work the Foundation does is incredible, from finding a PD biomarker, to advocating for patients, to education and social events. The breadth of support and community building from MJFF makes it an easy organization to support. I have multiple family members who have been impacted by Parkinson’s, so there’s a personal element as well, of wanting to help current and future patients.
I’ve attended multiple runs to cheer on Team Fox and my sister as she ran marathons with the team, participated in virtual 5K runs, attended the annual gala in New York City, and attended multiple golf events.
Emily Wilde
My dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2013, and I started running races to help fundraise for Parkinson’s research. I enjoy focusing my charitable efforts on an organization that I have a personal connection with, and that is clearly making the largest impact in the Parkinson’s community.
All the people I’ve met through MJFF — employees or fellow Team Fox fundraisers — have been extremely welcoming and positive. It’s clear how dedicated the staff is as they travel to various events, or to visit my parents at home. I always learn a lot when I meet them and appreciate how knowledgeable and friendly they are.
I’ve run several Team Fox races and have fundraised for all of them. To help reach my goal in 2019, I had a fundraising birthday party where I raffled off various items and took donations in lieu of birthday gifts. During COVID-19, I ran the virtual NYC Marathon by mapping out a marathon route around my parents’ house; I did a few loops and would swing by their house to have my “fans” cheer me on. I enjoyed getting creative!
