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Four Team Fox First-timers Share Their Stories

Four Team Fox First-timers Share Their Stories

Each year, roughly 350 Team Fox members participate in various athletic races in their local communities while raising funds and awareness for Parkinson’s research. We caught up with four new members who have combined their interest in running and passion for finding a cure into an opportunity to support Team Fox.

 

 

Gunnar Holmes
Janus Rock & Roll 5K, Denver
Race Date: October 19, 2014

Eleven-year-old Gunnar Holmes loves all kinds of sports: running, biking, swimming, football, rugby and skiing. He also participates in triathlons and has competed in the Ironkids National Championships in Iowa, so running in the Janus Rock & Roll 5K was right up his alley! In fact, the Holmes decided to make this a family event with dad running the half marathon course and mom also running the 5K. Gunnar wanted to dedicate this race to his Grandfather Larry, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2011. After doing some research online with his mom, Gunnar signed up as a Team Fox member because he liked the fact that that 100% of his fundraising efforts would go towards research. As a first time fundraiser, Gunnar explained how “super easy” it was. He suggests setting a goal and giving donors the various ways they can help you achieve it. He also recommends sharing “your story of why you think donating to Parkinson's is so important and what your connection is” with potential donors. Gunnar also stresses the importance of writing “Thank You” emails as soon as someone makes a donation. Not only did Gunnar raise $3,500 for Team Fox, but he finished the 5K in 21:50--10th overall out of  599 participants! We see many races in Gunnar’s future, hopefully with Team Fox!

 

 

 


Natalie Muzzio
Nike Half Marathon, California
Race Date: October 19, 2014

Natalie is no stranger to the Nike Half Marathon in San Francisco, in fact this year marked her 8th time participating. This time, however, was different. After hearing the news of her dad’s recent Parkinson’s diagnosis, Natalie wanted to do something special to commemorate this year’s race and decided to run in honor of her Dad, her “superhero”. Natalie explained that her initial reaction to her dad’s diagnosis was feeling helpless until she realized she could make a difference by getting involved with Team Fox. As a first time fundraiser, she admits that the notion of fundraising was a little intimidating. However, with the support of her family, friends and colleagues, Natalie surpassed her fundraising goal and has raised over $2,200!  Natalie explains, “there are so many ways to help, and no goal is too small. Fundraising for Team Fox has particularly changed my running perspective, and it has opened my eyes to the generosity of colleagues who truly do care and are just waiting for an excuse to help a new meaningful cause.”  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Steven Summers
Marine Corps Marathon, Virginia
Race Date: October 26, 2014

Five years ago, Steven admits he couldn’t run more than a mile, but after completing a 5K followed by two half marathons, he boldly set his sights on a marathon (he claims the post- half marathon runner’s high was to blame!). Steven knew that in addition to his 8-year old daughter’s encouragement, running for a charity would help keep him motivated during the grueling schedule of marathon training. He choose to run for Team Fox in memory of his grandfather who lived with Parkinson’s and for his mother who was recently diagnosed. With the support of his friends and family, Steven completed his marathon and even surpassed his original fundraising goal by raising over $3,300! “With the generosity and support of people donating on my behalf, and the knowledge that I was not just running this for myself but for a worthy cause, I was motivated to reach my goal,” Steven shares. Steven notes that running in memory of his grandfather and in honor of his mom was a “true privilege.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Rachel Young
Gettysburg Blue-Gray Half Marathon, Pennsylvania
Race Date: October 26, ‎‎2014 

Shortly after the birth of her son, Rachel started running again and wanted to find a race to keep her motivated. The real motivation, however, was deciding to run for a cause that had recently affected her life. In May of 2013, Rachel’s husband, at age 32, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. Since there wasn’t already an event in her area benefiting Parkinson’s research, she decided to take matters into her own hands by registering for a local half marathon. Not only was this Rachel’s first Team Fox experience, but it was also her first time fundraising! Rachel took to Social Media to help with her fundraising efforts and drew in support from people far beyond her inner circle. In fact, many of her friends found out about her husband’s diagnosis as a direct result of her outreach asking for support of the race and generously helped Rachel in raising over $5,600 for Parkinson’s research! When asked of her Team Fox experience, Rachel said, “It was a wonderful! My Team Fox mentor made me feel welcomed and supported… every donation felt like a hug for our family. It really helped ease the stress that comes with a relatively recent diagnose like this.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Have a local race you’re interested in participating in? Consider joining Team Fox and have your miles make a difference. Together, let’s outrun Parkinson’s disease for good. #GoTeamFox

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