In honor of Valentine’s Day, we wanted to share this incredible note written by Keith Cox — Keith ran the 2013 NYC Marathon with Team Fox in support of his wife Lisa, who has YOPD and they are in the process of planning to host their first big Team Fox event this fall.

Please join Keith in sharing words of love with those in your life by sending one of two special Valentine’s Day eCards today.

Dear Lisa,

In my mind, I still vividly see you walking into my life for the very first time 25 years ago. The glow of your smile and those beautiful blue eyes sparked our life’s journey and not too many months later, an exchange of promises to love each other forever solidified our bond. As we enjoyed all the wonder and discovery of being newlyweds, we also shared the adventure of building a life and a family together. When I saw you in the role of mother — tirelessly raising three children,  sacrificing to make a better life for our children and for me — my love for you only grew stronger.

At 43, in our life’s prime, Parkinson’s disease entered your life and we both began to wrestle with the shock,  disbelief and uncertainty that come with any serious disease. But through time and education, those feelings of slowly gave way to understanding and acceptance: family and concerned friends showered us with their love, a knowledgeable doctor came into our lives, and organizations like The Michael J. Fox Foundation gave us the support and encouragement we needed to forge ahead and shape a new life alongside Parkinson’s disease.

In these five years since your diagnosis, my love for you has only grown. I have seen you courageously face your own struggles while engaging in opportunities to help others with Parkinson’s. I know your involvement has helped so many in need, and I love you for looking beyond yourself to bring hope to others. 

This Parkinson’s journey has exposed an inner strength that I am humbled and inspired by. As you know, my love for you far surpasses any tremor or altered gait. There is nothing I would not do for you—including running the NYC Marathon! I can’t wait to host our first Team Fox Pancakes for Parkinson’s and 5K event together this fall.

We are in this together, and I stand true in my promise and commitment to you:  I will love you forever. 

Keith