It's been an incredible start to the year for Team Fox. Our fundraisers across the country are in full gear, and Team Fox members are more motivated than ever to help speed a cure for Parkinson's. Plus, two new officers (including myself!) have joined the Team Fox staff to support the athletics program.
Here we introduce ourselves with some fun facts on our commitment to accelerating research and how we hope to support Team Fox members in surpassing their athletic and fundraising goals.
Team Fox: How did you first get involved with MJFF/Team Fox?
Laura Freeman: I started working at The Michael J. Fox Foundation as the receptionist/administrative assistant in 2013 and soon transitioned to Development, where I organized research roundtables and provided support for the Advancement fundraising team. I just started as a Team Fox officer this month!
Seth Manthey: I first joined Team Fox as a member in 2013 while in graduate school and have participated in multiple athletic events since then. My Team Fox experiences have really shaped much of who I am today, so when an opportunity to join the staff appeared, I knew it was the right move for me. I've been part of the team since February.
Team Fox: You're both Team Fox athletes. What events have you participated in?
Laura: I ran the Toronto Half Marathon with Team Fox in October of my first year at the Foundation. Since then I've proudly worn my Team Fox singlet in numerous 5Ks and half marathons, cheered on Team Fox members in the NYC races, participated in the MJFF inaugural FoxTrot5K at Riverside Park and supported the Foundation through Charity Miles. Can you tell I love running?!
Seth: Like Laura, I'm one of those crazy marathoners. I first joined Team Fox as a non-sponsored athlete running the 2013 Disney Wine and Dine Half Marathon and the 2014 Walt Disney World Marathon. Since then, I’ve run in multiple races as part of the sponsored athletics including the 2015 and 2016 Walt Disney World Dopey Challenge, the 2015 Rock the Ridge 50 Mile Endurance Challenge and the 2015 TCS NYC Marathon. Up next - the 2016 Bank of America Chicago Marathon!
Team Fox: What are you most looking forward to now that you are Team Fox officers?
Laura: I'm really excited about getting to know the athletes and supporting their fundraising and training efforts for sponsored races. In 2015, I ran the TCS NYC Marathon and participated in a number of half marathons, so I hope to offer extra help for anyone training for their first endurance event!
Seth: I'm looking forward to connecting with Team Fox members - new and old - who are dedicated to helping find better treatments and a cure for Parkinson's disease. I also look forward to hearing their stories and seeing firsthand the incredible feats of the Team Fox community - be it running their first charity walk or their eighth marathon.
Team Fox: Tell us an interesting fact about yourself.
Laura: I taught middle school social studies for six years before joining the Foundation.
Seth: I've lived in California, Washington, Hawaii, Florida and now Connecticut - it's safe to say I don't mind a change of scenery.