Resident endurance athlete and MJFF staff member, Sam Fox (no relation to Michael), is embarking on a 14,000 mile journey across the United States. With the goal of uniting the Parkinson's community and raising $1 million for research, Sam has officially announced his plans for his next fundraising feat, Tour de Fox. Hear directly from Sam about this new undertaking for Team Fox and his personal invitation for you to join him.
As an extreme athlete and someone who's touched by Parkinson's, I'm motivated to combine my passion for the outdoors with the chance to give back. Since 2011, I've completed two extreme challenges for Team Fox: a 60-day, 2,500-mile adventure run on the Pacific Crest Trail and a single day, 100-mile run from New York City to the tip of Long Island -- raising $400,000 for Parkinson's research. I did them with one person in mind: my mom, Lucy, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2000.
Starting this June, I will undertake my most extreme challenge yet: Tour de Fox. In an idea crowd-sourced from friends of MJFF, I'll climb and bike my way through each of the lower 48 United States in just over three months, scaling their highest peaks, aiming to raise $1 million for research. But unlike before, I won't be doing it alone. I'm challenging you -- the inspiring and resilient Parkinson's community -- to join me.
Chances are that Tour de Fox is coming to your neck of the woods and there are several ways to be part of it:
DONATE -- 100% of Tour de Fox proceeds will go directly to Parkinson's research. For a limited time, donations will be matched dollar-for-dollar thanks to the generousity of an MJFF board member.
RIDE OR CLIMB -- Participate in an official Tour de Fox climb or ride when we make our way to your state. Sign up as an individual or create your own team. (More experienced riders and climbers can join one of the 10 Xtreme events -- the more physically challenging legs of the Tour. Due to the nature of these excursions, spots are limited and pre-qualification is required.)
CELEBRATE -- Join other Parkinson's supporters at local celebrations taking place around the country.
JOIN VIRTUALLY -- Host your own Tour de Fox climb or ride and contribute funds raised to the Tour's $1 million goal. Remember, 100% of your Tour de Fox donation goes straight to research.
SHARE – Tell your friends and family about Tour de Fox and follow Sam on Twitter and Instagram.
Visit the Tour de Fox page to see the schedule and explore the Tour map. Make sure to check back weekly as we continue to add new events and updates.
Nothing about this 14,000-mile adventure will be easy, but neither is living with Parkinson's. I hope you'll join me on the road. Together we can make a difference for all the moms, dads, friends and five million people who live with Parkinson's around the world. See you then! –Sam