NEW YORK, NY — The Michael J. Fox Foundation announced today that actor Ryan Reynolds has joined the Foundation’s mission to find a cure for Parkinson’s disease. Reynolds will serve as the first Celebrity Chair of Team Fox, the Foundation’s grassroots fundraising arm made up of hundreds of volunteers across the country. Reynolds, along with 130 Team Fox members, will run the ING New York City Marathon on November 2, 2008, in honor of his father, who has Parkinson’s disease.
“I am proud to be a part of this team of dedicated and motivated people who are getting out there and making a difference,” said Ryan. “The Michael J. Fox Foundation is doing whatever it takes to improve patients’ quality of life and deliver a cure to people living with PD, like my father.”
Michael J. Fox says: “We’re truly grateful to Ryan for joining Team Fox and for being a part of this fight. Team Fox means so much to me and to everyone at MJFF. It’s at the heart of what we're about – making a difference in the millions of lives touched by Parkinson’s disease. We’re thrilled that Ryan is now officially a member of our team.”
“I truly believe that Ryan’s enthusiasm for Team Fox will inspire people all over the country to get involved with this important cause,” said Katie Hood, CEO of The Michael J. Fox Foundation. “We’re thankful for his support and honored to have him on our team, working with us to put an end to Parkinson’s disease.”
Ryan Reynolds has recently wrapped the romantic comedy, “The Proposal,” where he stars opposite Sandra Bullock due out next June. In May, he will be seen starring in two back to back feature films; the highly anticipated X-Men spin-off, “X-Men Origins: Wolverine,” and the comedy, “Adventureland” for “Super Bad” director Greg Motolla. In November, Ryan can be seen in the drama “FireFlies in the Garden,” where he stars opposite Julia Roberts, Carrie-Ann Moss and Emily Watson. He was last seen starring in the critically acclaimed film, “Definitely, Maybe,” opposite Rachel Weisz and Isla Fisher.
About Team Fox
Team Fox is made up of hundreds of people all over the world who are walking, running, paddling, pedaling and dancing to raise funds and awareness for Parkinson's research. Since its inception in 2006, members raised an astounding $3 million. This diverse group of people continues to grow and inspire the Foundation and the PD community every day.