Neville "Baha" Munro
Neville Munro was a basketball Olympian, a successful lawyer, published author, financial adviser and member of UBC’s Athletics Hall of Fame. He also lived with Parkinson’s disease for 16 years—a part of his life that he lived with dignity and grace. Above all of this, he was a beloved grandfather. Grandsons Scott, Sean, Ross and Ryan Mackinnon knew him as “Baha.” He was their idol who consistently taught them to live life to the fullest, despite its occasional hardships.
To celebrate Baha’s life and to honor him in a way they never have before, the Mackinnon brothers will ride across Canada, from Vancouver, British Columbia, to Halifax, Nova Scotia—a journey that Baha himself wanted to make with his son, Dave, but couldn’t start because his Parkinson’s symptoms progressed too quickly. Scott, 30, is the eldest of the Mackinnon brothers. He says, “This bike ride means finishing something that our Baha started a long time ago. He inspired us for so many years, I feel it is our turn to pay him the respect he has always deserved.”
Continue reading “Biking for Baha: Four Brothers to Honor Their Grandfather in an 8,000-km Ride across Canada” »
Robert and Dan Cochrane at the set of "Field of Dreams"
Any baseball fans out there? Ever wonder what it would be like to see a Major League Baseball game at each MLB ballpark? Team Fox member Robert Cochrane and his father, Dan, spent two months road tripping 20,000 miles to 30 MLB games. Inspired by Field of Dreams, the trip was a way for Robert and Dan to spend some quality father-son time together.
This was an important trip for them for many reasons, but especially because Dan had been recently diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. After having thought about such an adventure, they knew they wanted to do it sooner rather than later. They learned a lot about themselves and each other along the way.
Robert recalls, “Yes, the ballparks were amazing. The people we met along the way impressed us, surprised us and made us laugh. We made new friends and rekindled some old relationships. But the most important relationship that was developed was the one with my dad. I’m thankful beyond words that we both said yes to this journey.” Continue reading “Father and Son Visit Every MLB Ballpark to Raise Funds and Awareness for Parkinson’s” »
This past Saturday morning, the sun rose over an inspirational scene in Atlanta, Georgia. Hundreds of runners and walkers of all ages gathered at RaceTrac’s Atlanta headquarters to participate in the first annual RaceTrac Run for Research. More than 500 athletes conquered the 5K course despite muggy morning temperatures and rolling hills. The aim of the race and accompanying festivities were to raise awareness and funds for The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. To say it was a success would be an understatement. Thanks to RaceTrac vendors who sponsored the event, hundreds of enthusiastic runners, and RaceTrac’s donation to MJFF for every person who crossed the finish line, the first-ever Run for Research raised more than $65,000 for Parkinson’s disease research! Continue reading “RaceTrac Gears Up for Parkinson’s Awareness Month” »
Even before my dad’s diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, I knew about — and admired — Team Fox. So when the news came in 2009, there was no question that I’d raise money for Team Fox. I just didn’t know how. Since I had already run several half marathons, I kept returning to the idea of hosting a race. Coincidentally, I ran into a friend of mine, Jennifer Boyer, who had created a race on her own. We realized there were a number of 5K runs and walks in our area, but no half marathons. And the Plattsburgh Half Marathon was born! Continue reading “Stephanie Desautels: Fulfilling an Interest — and a Need — for the Plattsburgh Community” »
For Team Fox marathoner Peter Bleiberg, participating in a clinical trial is an important opportunity — and, he feels, an obligation. So in the four years since his Parkinson’s diagnosis, he’s already taken part in three trials and is looking forward to creating his profile on Fox Trial Finder.
Peter’s diagnosis marked the beginning of a new chapter in his life, and a new challenge. Inspired to do whatever he could to help other Parkinson’s patients, he joined Team Fox and has run the Boston Marathon three times to raise funds for The Michael J. Fox Foundation. In addition to his six to 20 hours of training every week, he encourages people to get involved, especially through clinical trials. Continue reading “Running Toward a Cure: In the Clinic and on the Course” »
Today’s guest post comes from James Mangini, a Team Fox member and mentor. James is currently training for a 1,000-mile Marathon, kicking off in Charleston, SC on May 1, 2012. James shares with us the inspiring story of his mentee, Jeff Davis, who is in the midst of his own endurance challenge for Team Fox.
Jeff Davis, whose mother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2006, won’t let anything stand in his way of raising funds and awareness for Team Fox – not even a fractured spine.
Last August, Jeff was struck by a car while cycling, the collision resulted in two fractured vertebrae and three months in a hard neck brace. Doctors were uncertain of Jeff’s ability to ever return to cycling.
Recovering from the accident has not been easy for Jeff, and waiting around just wasn’t his style. Instead of waiting to see if he gets clearance from his doctor to ride again, Jeff laced up his running shoes and hit the road for Team Fox.
“My mother lives in another state, so I am unable to physically be there for her as she faces Parkinson’s,” Jeff explains. “This is my way of being there for her and saying I love you every day.” Continue reading “Tennessee Tough Guy With Some Real Backbone” »
Bob and Cecily Harmon
The news of a Parkinson’s diagnosis can be very alarming. Team Fox member and mentor Bob Harmon recalls March 3, 2006 as the “day the earth stood still.” For two years prior, Bob noticed changes in his motor and walking skills: a tremor in his right hand that eventually made eating near impossible, and a gait he thought was associated with old age. As shocked as he was when his neurologist confirmed a Parkinson’s diagnosis, Bob was able to put things in perspective with the help of his wife, Cecily. She simply responded, “Thank God it’s not something that will kill you in 90 days.” Continue reading “Bob Harmon and Family: Turning a Parkinson’s Diagnosis into Action” »
Debra Duggan was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2002 at the early age of 45. She lived an active life — was the coach of her daughter’s ski team, a runner, sailor, and owned her own business. As the disease progressed it became more difficult to stay active, however Deb continues to fight daily to maintain a healthy lifestyle and manage her symptoms through diet and exercise, and careful management of her medications.
After nearly a decade of struggling with this progressive disease, Deb and her daughter, Amber, decided it was time to raise money and awareness for Parkinson’s and other diseases like it. And they would do it by moving their bodies. Continue reading “Move 4 Mobility to Host 5K Race to Benefit Parkinson’s Research” »
Foundation friends Karen and Marc Jaffe were featured in a podcast for the Cleveland City Club, a well-known forum for public dialogue whose speakers have included modern U.S. presidents and other famous dignitaries. Karen shares how her life has changed since she was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2007, while Marc light-heartedly comments on aging and giving a gift that money can’t buy.
As Team Fox members, the Jaffes have raised nearly $175,000 for Parkinson’s disease research through their Foundation, Shaking with Laughter. According to Karen, an OB/GYN in private practice in Cleveland, “having a sense of humor is a saving grace.” She and Marc, a renowned comedian and former writer for Seinfeld, firmly believe in humor as a way to take control of life’s obstacles. Continue reading “Shaking with Laughter: Finding Humor in a Parkinson’s Disease Diagnosis” »
Combining poker and running might not seem as normal as peanut butter and jelly, but Gamble Kersey has come up with this great pairing for her Team Fox event this year! On Saturday, March 24th runners in Navarre Beach, Florida will have the opportunity to run/walk a 5K and play poker for the opportunity to win amazing prizes – including Sea World tickets and resort packages. Aside from planning this event, Gamble is a runner who’s tackled half marathons and will be running in this year’s Chicago Marathon with Team Fox in honor of her grandfather, Ken, who had Parkinson’s disease.
There’s still plenty of time to register! Visit Gamble’s event website to learn more!
