The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research » Team Fox http://blog.michaeljfox.org Our Progress is YOU Powered Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:11:56 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.1 Catching up with Team Fox member Michele Kustera http://blog.michaeljfox.org/2012/02/catching-up-with-team-fox-member-michele-kustera/ http://blog.michaeljfox.org/2012/02/catching-up-with-team-fox-member-michele-kustera/#comments Mon, 06 Feb 2012 17:11:11 +0000 Miranda Lanzillotti http://blog.michaeljfox.org/?p=1978 Michele Kustera is a Team Fox member from Huntington, NY, who threw her first event on January 21. “Bust the Winter Blues for Parkinson’s” was a night of raffles, drinks, food and fun that raised around $2,000 for Team Fox. A snow storm prevented some folks from coming, but it didn’t stop Michele and her 50 attendees from having a great time.

We caught up with Michele to get her thoughts on how everything went. For those thinking about throwing a first-time Team Fox event, take note – Michele provides some great feedback on picking a date and engaging volunteers. Check out the interview below.

Team Fox: What was the biggest obstacle in planning/hosting your own event?
Michele Kustera: I found just finding the time to coordinate to be my biggest obstacle.

TF: If you could do one thing differently, what would it be?
MK: Plan an event in a season when we don’t have snow. I also would have probably tried to reach out to more people for help and planning.  Several people came up to me at the event and said they could have donated this or that or could have helped in some way other than just attending.

TF: What was the highlight of the event?
MK: Not one particular thing just the feeling of community at the event and how we had about 50 people come out in spite of the weather being a bit of a challenge.

TF: Tell me about your raffle—how many items did you have, how did you secure them, were some items more successful than others, etc.
MK: I had 12 baskets that included wine, sporting event tickets, dinner at restaurants, spa gift cards, local merchants, MJF Basket.  All of the items were donated by friends or local merchants.   We also did a 50/50 and the winner donated the money back to the Foundation.

TF: Anything else you’d like to share?
MK: I think for a “first timer” it was fairly successful.  Didn’t meet my fundraising goal but I think I may be able to before the end of the year.  The weather did hinder some from coming out and I will send them the link to my page for donations.  I would love to try again next year but in the Spring.

Team Fox is the grassroots fundraising arm of The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF). Each year, more than 1,500 Team Fox members worldwide turn their passions and interests into unique fundraising events and athletic feats. Since our inception in 2006, our members have raised an astounding $15 million for Parkinson’s research, helping MJFF achieve its mission to speed new treatments and, ultimately, a cure for Parkinson’s disease.

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]]> http://blog.michaeljfox.org/2012/02/catching-up-with-team-fox-member-michele-kustera/feed/ Team Fox Offers Entry Into the Inaugural 2012 New York City Ironman U.S. Championship http://blog.michaeljfox.org/2012/02/team-fox-offers-entry-into-the-inaugural-2012-new-york-city-ironman-u-s-championship/ http://blog.michaeljfox.org/2012/02/team-fox-offers-entry-into-the-inaugural-2012-new-york-city-ironman-u-s-championship/#comments Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:42:27 +0000 Kristina Lopez http://blog.michaeljfox.org/?p=1972 Team Fox is the grassroots fundraising arm of The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research (MJFF). Each year, more than 1,500 Team Fox members worldwide turn their passions and interests into unique fundraising events and athletic feats. Since our inception in 2006, our members have raised an astounding $15 million for Parkinson’s research, helping MJFF achieve its mission to speed new treatments and, ultimately, a cure for Parkinson’s disease.

The Ironman. A 2.4 mile swim, 112-mile bike ride and a 26.2 mile run! And Team Fox wants you to participate!

The sold out, inaugural Ironman U.S. Championship is slated for August 11, 2012. The 140.6-mile race will take place in parts of both New York City and New Jersey, making it the most metropolitan environment ever to host an Ironman.  The course will include a 2.4-mile swim in the Hudson River; a 112-mile bike ride on the Palisades Parkway in Bergen and Rockland Counties; and a 26.2-mile run beginning in New Jersey and finishing in Riverside Park in Manhattan. Team Fox has limited entries so sign up today! Email us at teamfox@michaeljfox.org

Participants will be provided with their very own Team Fox fundraising page, gear, training plans, and email support.

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]]> http://blog.michaeljfox.org/2012/02/team-fox-offers-entry-into-the-inaugural-2012-new-york-city-ironman-u-s-championship/feed/ Summit Mt. Kilimanjaro: Join Team Fox on an Expedition to Reach the Top of Africa http://blog.michaeljfox.org/2012/02/summit-mt-kilimanjaro-join-team-fox-on-an-expedition-to-reach-the-top-of-africa/ http://blog.michaeljfox.org/2012/02/summit-mt-kilimanjaro-join-team-fox-on-an-expedition-to-reach-the-top-of-africa/#comments Wed, 01 Feb 2012 18:37:45 +0000 Mike Wenger http://blog.michaeljfox.org/?p=1922 We are excited to announce that OutdoorBound, an adventure travel company, is leading a 7-day trip this August to summit the largest mountain in Africa and raise funds for Team Fox, the Foundation’s community fundraising program!  It is a unique opportunity to overcome a physically demanding, yet incredibly rewarding climb amidst the camaraderie of others committed to finding a cure for Parkinson’s.

We can only accommodate 20 members for this trip, so act fast! To learn more and sign up, visit our Kilimanjaro Team Fox page. Participants will be provided with their very own Team Fox fundraising page, gear, and supportive emails outlining training tips and supply needs.

 ”On summit day seeing the sunrise from above the cloudline was something truly surreal” – Team Fox member Kerry Twibell (read more from her blog post)

 

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]]> http://blog.michaeljfox.org/2012/02/summit-mt-kilimanjaro-join-team-fox-on-an-expedition-to-reach-the-top-of-africa/feed/ CBS’ ‘Undercover Boss’ Stirs Dialogue on the Important Role of Caregivers http://blog.michaeljfox.org/2012/01/cbs-undercover-boss-stirs-dialogue-on-the-important-role-of-caregivers/ http://blog.michaeljfox.org/2012/01/cbs-undercover-boss-stirs-dialogue-on-the-important-role-of-caregivers/#comments Mon, 30 Jan 2012 22:22:12 +0000 Stephanie Startz http://blog.michaeljfox.org/?p=1915 Team Fox members, Rick and Wendy Tigner, raise awareness for Parkinson’s during episode of Undercover Boss.

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Mon, Jan 30 2012 17:26:44 ·
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CBS’ ‘Undercover Boss’ Stirs Dialogue on the Important Role of Caregivers

Team Fox members, Rick and Wendy Tigner, raise awareness for Parkinson’s during episode of Undercover Boss.

  1. Last night MJFF friends and supporters Rick and Wendy Tigner appeared in an episode of CBS’ Undercover Boss. While the episode was devoted to Rick’s position as President of Kendall-Jackson Winery, Rick, along with his wife Wendy, used part of the episode to share their personal connection to Parkinson’s disease.

    Diagnosed in 2006 with PD, Wendy takes 7 – 8 pills a day to offset her symptoms and stays active through tennis and swimming. So devoted to finding a cure, the Tigners hosted their first Team Fox fundraiser this past fall on behalf of The Michael J. Fox Foundation, raising $60,000 for research. 

    Rick spoke of his wife’s condition several times during the episode, demonstrating his support and care for Wendy. The personal moments of the episode underscored the important role a caregiver plays in the well-being of the patient. Several caregivers and patients chimed in with their heart-felt thanks and appreciation, while also sharing their own stories, on our Facebook page.

  2. Share
    “
    Rick’s support of his wife is heartwarming! As a person dealing with Parkinson’s myself I know how important having a good support system is. My mom. dad, sister, daughter, son, and my close friends have been very supportive! I thank he…aven every day for each of them. I also know what it’s like to not receive receive support from a spouse. A diagnosis of Parkinson’s is difficult for all involved and some people handle it poorly and others handle it well. Rick brought tears to my eyes because he truly cares and it shows. His wife is very lucky!!!

    Michele KornausMichele Kornaus
    Mon, Jan 30 2012 17:03:06

  3. Share
    “
    Thank you to Rick Tigner for being awareness to this disease. He reminds me of my dad taking care of my mom who has Parkinson. Pray for a cure to be found. Pray for those who live with this disease and their caregivers..

    Patricia Pyle BerkeleyPatricia Pyle Berkeley
    Mon, Jan 30 2012 17:03:06

  4. Share
    “
    Kudos to all the men and women who support their spouses with PD. My husband is one of those heros. His unflagging support is an example of true FAMILY VALUES.

    Rose FirestoneRose Firestone
    Mon, Jan 30 2012 17:03:12

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    “
    Rick and Wendy are great partners in the fight against PD!! I am lucky, as well ,to have a supportive and caring wife and daughter!! Great job on the show!! And great job with your company and family!

    John H RyanJohn H Ryan
    Mon, Jan 30 2012 17:03:12

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    “
    Like Rick I also have a wife with PD, I struggle with balancing work, travel and being there for her. Thanks for mentioning that Wendy has PD so America can become more aware of the disease. Great show and I wish the Kendall Jackson family the best, and the best for Rick and Wendy.

    Steve ReedSteve Reed
    Mon, Jan 30 2012 17:03:06

  7. For more information, visit the Michael J. Fox Foundation website where our guide for caregivers offers advice and resources. To learn about additional opportunities for spouses, discover 100 Husbands, the Foundation’s initiative to increase the enrollment of men in clinical trials.

Other stories by MichaelJFoxOrg on 
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]]> http://blog.michaeljfox.org/2012/01/cbs-undercover-boss-stirs-dialogue-on-the-important-role-of-caregivers/feed/ Our favorite cheer will be outfitted in Team Fox gear! http://blog.michaeljfox.org/2012/01/our-favorite-cheer-will-be-outfitted-in-team-fox-gear/ http://blog.michaeljfox.org/2012/01/our-favorite-cheer-will-be-outfitted-in-team-fox-gear/#comments Mon, 30 Jan 2012 17:22:47 +0000 Kristina Lopez http://blog.michaeljfox.org/?p=1905

To celebrate the newest items in the Fox Shop, we are having a video contest! We’re looking for a Team Fox chant/slogan! Here’s what you have to do. Submit a 10-15 second video of you doing a Team Fox chant or slogan on our Facebook wall! The Team Fox staff will then choose the winner and they’ll receive a basket of goodies from the Fox Shop! The last day to submit your video is Wednesday, February 8th!

 

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]]> http://blog.michaeljfox.org/2012/01/our-favorite-cheer-will-be-outfitted-in-team-fox-gear/feed/ Point, Click, Shoot-Connect! The Michael J. Fox Foundation Connects Parkinson’s Patients With Researchers http://blog.michaeljfox.org/2012/01/point-click-shoot-connect-the-michael-j-fox-foundation-connects-parkinsons-patients-with-researchers/ http://blog.michaeljfox.org/2012/01/point-click-shoot-connect-the-michael-j-fox-foundation-connects-parkinsons-patients-with-researchers/#comments Mon, 30 Jan 2012 16:23:10 +0000 Chrissy Blitz http://blog.michaeljfox.org/?p=1885

PD Patients, members of the MJFF research community and Team Fox superstars gathered for a photo shoot in Boston on Friday. It was an amazing day in which we brought together some of the many faces of the Foundation—and the synergies were happening left and right.

We started off the day at Civitas, an innovative pharma company developing an inhaled formulation of levodopa. This could allow for more rapid and consistent dosing to treat motor fluctuations in PD, the potential of which excited us all. PD patients and MJFF supporters Lucy Fox and Sonny Whelen toured the pioneering facility, interacted with the research team, led by Dr. Marty Freed, and gave their two cents on what patients really want!

Next stop: The Scherzer Laboratory for Neurogenomics at Harvard University led by Dr. Clemens Scherzer. At the Scherzer Lab a dedicated team of researchers are applying genomic approaches to the detection, characterization and treatment of PD. Team Fox member Anna Wolfe and PD patients and MJFF supporters Denise Dvorak and Chris Chadbourne posed for the camera while sharing tips with one another (Denise swears by aquatic aerobics) and asking the research team questions about their RNA work. Ana even recruited a few new volunteers for her Team Fox run in October.

It was an inspiring day for everyone — forging new connections within the MJFF community and creating innovative ideas on how to further our progress.

 

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]]> http://blog.michaeljfox.org/2012/01/point-click-shoot-connect-the-michael-j-fox-foundation-connects-parkinsons-patients-with-researchers/feed/ Become a food sponsor for the NYC Young Professionals Event! http://blog.michaeljfox.org/2012/01/become-a-food-sponsor-for-the-nyc-young-professionals-event/ http://blog.michaeljfox.org/2012/01/become-a-food-sponsor-for-the-nyc-young-professionals-event/#comments Fri, 27 Jan 2012 14:42:04 +0000 Kristina Lopez http://blog.michaeljfox.org/?p=1867

Calling all NYC Restaurants!  The Team Fox Young Professionals of NYC are going to be hosting a Sunday Funday at The Griffin on April 29th!  You can help make this event a huge success, while getting your name out there, by making a donation in the form of your delicious food. For the past 3 years, they’ve raised over $25,000 for Team Fox and they hope to keep the momentum going!  Any amount of food you are able to donate would be greatly appreciated, as well as necessary to making this event a hit! Email teamfox@michaeljfox.org for more information!

Date of Event: April 29, 2012
Place: The Griffin — 50 Gansevoort St., New York, NY 10014
Time: 12:30-3:30 p.m.

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]]> http://blog.michaeljfox.org/2012/01/become-a-food-sponsor-for-the-nyc-young-professionals-event/feed/ 10 Year Old Abby Hosts Pancakes for Parkinson’s http://blog.michaeljfox.org/2012/01/10-year-old-abby-hosts-pancakes-for-parkinsons/ http://blog.michaeljfox.org/2012/01/10-year-old-abby-hosts-pancakes-for-parkinsons/#comments Thu, 26 Jan 2012 14:29:55 +0000 Stephanie Paddock http://blog.michaeljfox.org/?p=1839

Abby with Gigi

10 year-old Abby Tutterow isn’t asking for presents for her upcoming birthday, instead she’s decided to host a Pancakes for Parkinson’s event in honor of her grandmother (“Gigi”).  Abby’s mom Meredith ran the 2011 Chicago Marathon for Team Fox and Abby was inspired to help too.  This Sunday, January 29th, she’s invited over 50 people to her family’s local country club to host the event.  Check out Abby’s Team Fox Page – she’s already raised over $600!  Good luck Abby!

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]]> http://blog.michaeljfox.org/2012/01/10-year-old-abby-hosts-pancakes-for-parkinsons/feed/ Half-Time with Kristina http://blog.michaeljfox.org/2012/01/half-time-with-kristina/ http://blog.michaeljfox.org/2012/01/half-time-with-kristina/#comments Wed, 25 Jan 2012 15:36:56 +0000 Kristina Lopez http://blog.michaeljfox.org/?p=1824

photo via Crumbs.com

I had such a great run that I felt it deserved a blog post! I really enjoy when I have a great run. My confidence goes up, I feel great and I immediately am convinced that I can run 13.1 miles in a decent time. I ultimately would love to beat my time last year, but I’m not going to push it. I find if I don’t think about running while I’m running (if that makes sense) I almost go on cruise control. Does anyone know what I’m talking about it? It’s the craziest feeling. I ran 3 miles without stopping and even ran a little faster than usual. So naturally on my way home I picked up a congratulatory treat.  Can you blame me? Look how good that thing looks! I hope everyone’s training is going well! Don’t forget that I’m here if you have any questions or need a pep talk. If you live in NYC, shoot me an email at teamfox@michaeljfox.org and maybe we can do a group run!

Orange & red,

Kristina

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]]> http://blog.michaeljfox.org/2012/01/half-time-with-kristina/feed/ New Team Fox Gear Has Arrived! http://blog.michaeljfox.org/2012/01/new-team-fox-gear-has-arrived/ http://blog.michaeljfox.org/2012/01/new-team-fox-gear-has-arrived/#comments Tue, 24 Jan 2012 16:51:57 +0000 Stephanie Paddock http://blog.michaeljfox.org/?p=1771

We’re happy to announce that great new Team Fox gear has arrived! New t-shirts, sweatshirts and women’s styles available! Visit the Fox Shop to stock up and show your Team Fox pride in 2012!

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