NEWYORK, NY — The Michael J. Fox Foundation announced that Team Fox™, its grassroots community program, will be participating in this year’s ING New York City Marathon on Sunday, November 5. Almost 90 runners from around the United States and Canada have joined Team Fox as part of the marathon’s expanded charity program.
“We are grateful to all the athletes who have joined Team Fox and devoted their efforts to Parkinson’s research,” said Deborah W. Brooks, the Foundation’s president and CEO. “The dedication of the Team Fox runners will certainly make a difference and we are excited to experience such a rewarding event with each and every one of them.”
Throughout the year, Team Fox runners participate in marathons around the country, and the ING NYC Marathon brings them all together to run as a united team. Many of these athletes are running simply to join the race for a cure, while others are running in honor or in memory of a loved one. Among these runners is Eugene Gurkoff, who has been a member of Team Fox since it started in 2005.
“Being part of the ING New York City Marathon is both inspiring and humbling. I am running 26.2 miles with 37,000 people who are all motivated to reach the finish line,” said Team Fox runner Eugene Gurkoff. “However, sharing this experience with the other members of Team Fox is even more meaningful, because we have all committed ourselves to helping people who live with Parkinson’s disease — a challenge far greater than running a marathon.”
Team Fox participated in the ING NYC Marathon for the first time in 2005, when approximately 22 runners participated and raised over $70,000 for the Foundation. The team’s goal this year is to reach $150,000.
Team Fox (www.teamfox.org) is a grassroots campaign that provides helpful tools and resources for people in the community who wish to raise awareness and funds for Parkinson’s research. The program allows anyone to turn their next special event into a fundraising opportunity to support the work of the Foundation. There are countless fun and creative ways to get involved, from running marathons to hosting pie-eating contests. Being involved with Team Fox and its inspiring fundraisers keeps people in the Parkinson’s community feeling empowered by their ability to make a difference. Team Fox has raised over $600,000 for Parkinson’s research this year.