NEW YORK, NY — The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF) has teamed up with the biopharmaceutical company UCB, Inc. to create the “Tell Us Your Story” Facebook campaign. The campaign aims to encourage members of the Parkinson’s community to share their personal experience with the disease while raising dollars for high-impact research.
“The Michael J. Fox Foundation is committed to expanding our online community so we can hear and engage with thousands of voices from the Parkinson’s community,” said Laxmi Wordham, chief digital officer, MJFF. “The ‘Tell Us Your Story’ campaign will harness inspiring voices from around the world and amplify their stories of Parkinson’s disease to raise awareness and critical funds for Parkinson’s research.”
Through December 31, participants can access the “Tell Us Your Story” application through the MJFF Facebook page and in 500 words or less share with their own social circle how Parkinson’s disease (PD) affects their lives. For every “Like” or “Share” a story receives within the “Tell Us Your Story” application, UCB, Inc. will donate $5, up to $60,000, to support MJFF’s ambitious research to speed a cure for Parkinson’s.
Every donation captured through the “Tell Us Your Story” campaign will be matched dollar-for-dollar as part of the Foundation’s Brin Wojcicki Challenge, which doubles new and increased giving through year-end, making the total potential contribution $120,000.
The Facebook application was designed through the pro-bono services of the social technology company Syncapse, ensuring that every dollar raised through the “Tell Us Your Story” campaign will be allocated to PD research initiatives.
“Finding a cure for Parkinson's disease is a cause that hits close to home,” said Michael Scissons, CEO and founder, Syncapse. “The Syncapse team has donated its marketing expertise and innovative social technologies to empower The Michael J. Fox Foundation in its mission of raising awareness and funding for Parkinson's research.”
Patient focus has been the core value of the Foundation’s research efforts since its inception in 2000. The Foundation has a strong track record of efficiency, with 88 cents of every dollar spent going straight to the research effort toward breakthroughs patients can feel in their everyday lives.
“Many people with Parkinson’s keep their story to themselves,” said Carey Christensen, a Parkinson’s patient advocate and member of the Foundation’s Patient Council. “But speaking from my experience, sharing your story brings an amazing feeling of empowerment.”
To hear more about the research efforts of MJFF or to find out how you can become a part of the MJFF community, please visit http://www.michaeljfox.org.