At The Michael J. Fox Foundation, we are privileged to meet countless individuals making the choice to live every day with courage, joy and optimism in spite of the challenges that PD brings. Here are some of their inspiring stories. If you would like to share yours, please e-mail it (in 350 words or less) to mystory@michaeljfox.org. It may be published on this page or in a future edition of our print or e-mail newsletter.

Jo Dee Biddle
Terre Haute, Indiana

I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in spring 2009. I was fortunate that it was caught early — I don’t have much tremor or debilitation yet. My left hand freezes in position and I have cog-wheeling in my left arm, as well as rigidity. I also have 28 years of experience seeing what PD can do to the body. My paternal grandmother was diagnosed in 1981. My father was diagnosed in 1994.

I began caring for my father in 1999, care that has increased in responsibility and time ever since. He has had deep brain stimulation surgery, but his balance and speech have not been helped. As a caregiver, I’ve finally come to terms with the idea that it’s time to let someone else handle the “chores” so that I can spend my time enjoying my dad’s company, as well as enjoy the time I have left before my symptoms become “disruptive” as my neurologist put it. I’ve been told that my father and grandmother’s quick progression may not bode well for me. But that’s OK. If I have learned anything about PD in 28 years, it is to take things one day at a time. If it’s a good day, seize the moment. If it’s not, don’t apologize.

I am extremely grateful for people like Michael J. Fox and Muhammad Ali who have come forward to make this disease known and accepted. There is still such a lack of understanding, even in the medical fields outside neurology, but it’s far less of a challenge today than it was just 10 or 15 years ago. When my grandmother was diagnosed, most people I knew said, “Now what is that?” Today most people know about the “shaking disease,” even if they don’t know all of its implications. I use every opportunity to discuss PD as a way to teach someone something they didn’t know about it.

Ray Eastcott
Montreal, Quebec
Canada

In October 2000 my wife Judy and I were walking with friends under a canopy of brilliantly coloured maple leaves near our home north of Montreal. My friend pointed out that I was limping slightly and not swinging my right arm. As I had always been an excellent right-arm swinger, I attributed this to normal aches and pains from 20 years of hockey. Several weeks later we dined with other friends, one of whom was adept at using the Internet as a medical diagnostic tool. She thought my limping and non-swinging were symptomatic of Parkinson’s disease. What a ridiculous, alarmist shot in the dark, I thought. Pass the wine please.

Turns out, she was about 12 months ahead of my doctors.

In August 2001 my terrific general practitioner referred me to my neurologist-to-be. (It was odd in itself to be referred to such a specialist. I had never thought in terms of “my mom, my wife, my boss, my stockbroker, my neurologist.”) To be honest, my biggest concern, that first visit, was confinement in the MRI machine. How the hell would I get out of that thing if there were a power failure? Also of concern: The magnet is so powerful that it will suck any metal item in the room — such as a folding metal chair — into the centre of the machine. This being precisely where my head was positioned.

My neurologist, one of Canada’ top movement disorder guys, is also a kind and understanding man. I imagine that he was saddened to deliver my diagnosis of Parkinson’s. As for me, I left his office and cried like a baby. Thankfully, I had Judy by my side — have I mentioned that I am married to the most beautiful person in the world? Both she and my wonderful son, Daniel, treat me like I am normal, which is usually what I want. Yet somehow they also sense and respond to those moments when I need a little more attention. Lucky man indeed! Michael J. Fox snagged my title.

The remarkable 2004 film “The Man Who Learned to Fall” is the true story of Philip Simmons, who lived life to the fullest to the end despite the steady loss of function resulting from amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Anyone with PD would relate to a steady loss of function. Yet if you live each day to its utmost, you will be ahead of otherwise healthy individuals who drift from day to day.

Of course, not all is perfect. Sometimes my right hand floats in the air as though it were weightless. I try to eat, shave, computer-mouse, and screw-drive with my left hand. My balance when standing still is terrible. My face, never overly expressive, now can look outright surly in spite of hoots of laughter inside of me (I should take up poker). I walk with a limp and rigid right arm. Sometimes I sleep through the night.

I left a good job with great coworkers three years ago because I still had sufficient health to do good stuff for me and my family. Good stuff like walking the half marathon in Ottawa at a quick 6.5 km/hour pace, or walking the 60-kilometer Weekend to End Breast Cancer. I curl in the winter and golf (as badly as ever) in the summer. I garden, mow lawns and tackle home renovation projects. I clean and cook. I help my son with his music studio business. I love to fish small-mouth bass at sunrise and walk in the autumn leaves with friends.

I call these activities my Celebration of Parkinson’s Disease. I may have a dark sense of humor, but I have come to realize that life truly is a celebration, and even more so with PD. Tomorrow may well be the best day of my life. I can cook, write, think and smile (inside at least). I will be the best that I can be. Why not? What else?

Andrew M. Breen
Charlotte, North Carolina

I was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s at age 41. In the 16 years since that fateful day, I’ve learned many things about myself and about life.

Whenever life throws a challenge in your direction, there’s an opportunity built in to become a better person — if you’re willing to take up the challenge. I used to have a temper and let small things upset me. I came to realize that I couldn’t get upset whenever I had a tremor. Anger is corrosive and I have to pick my battles, as my mother tried to teach me. In a word, living with PD matured me.

I also learned that I, not PD, control what I can and can’t do. Instead of feeling sorry for myself, I’ve resolved to carry on the best I could for the sake of my two children. Divorced, and on my own many years now, I’ve concentrated on my career, my health and spiritual self. Making myself living proof of my theory on life’s challenges and opportunities has imbued me with enormous self confidence. Over the years I’ve continued to grow spiritually, kept in shape, and tripled my income. Today I’m an IT consultant and project manager, and I recently became a published technical writer. I recently registered with the Veterans Administration to provide vocational and motivational coaching to returning veterans who have lost limbs while in the service. The important people in my life keep me going — wonderful friends and physicians, family (including a cousin who also has PD), my children whom I love and am inspired by, and my wonderful girlfriend Jackie, who treats me as me, not a guy with PD.

I have a small paperweight near my desk with this inscription: “Never, never, never give up.” I live by it. If nothing else, I’m a man of tremendous determination, and I’m focused on seeing this thing through as best I can. My doctors tell me this will likely be reversible one way or another in a few years, and I intend to be there to take them up on it.

Jorge Lacoste
Ventura, California

Parkinson’s rudely intruded into my life almost 30 years ago. Since then, my attitude toward PD has evolved. I now consider it to be one of the finest instruments of learning I have. At the very least it is a wonderful baloney meter. Test it. If someone is full of baloney they simply can ‘t hide it from a person with PD.

I attribute my painting abilities to Parkinson’s — a wonderful gift PD brought me unasked. I have been painting for four years. I never studied art nor put a brush to canvas. The ability to paint just showed up one day as if by magic.

I am often asked how I am able to do the various things I do. I explain that while I may not be able to control what happens to me, I can control how I react. Thinking is the predicate of action. If I think: How weak I am, I only bolster the weakness in myself.

Dedicated professionals are investing their lives in the attempt to alleviate or cure the suffering of people with PD. These professionals offer hope — a wonderful thing. Hope can breathe life into a parched landscape. But hope cannot live that life. The life that must be lived is your life. Hope is the promise of a life more to your liking.

A good starting point is the realization that there is absolutely nothing wrong with you. Your vehicle may have a bad carburetor, but you, the, driver are fine.

Rick Schwartz
Denver, Colorado

No one I know wants to have Parkinson’s, including me. But sooner or later, life will put real challenges in front of all of us. When I think about the nine years since my diagnosis, I find that they’ve been some of the best of my life. Because of PD, I’ve been willing to open doors to a different kind of reality — not just walk by them.

While I always worked hard before Parkinson’s, most things came easily to me. With PD, “easily” is not an option. That humbled me and made me think. I came to the conclusion that Parkinson’s is not the end, but the beginning: of testing my own mettle, of recognizing that there are many things far crueler than PD in this world, of realizing that I didn’t have time to feel sorry for myself.

I reached out to help where I could; I’m in the trenches helping other PWPs get information or obtain a walker or join a support group in the Rocky Mountain region. So many people I never would have met otherwise have become friends. I’m truly inspired by the twinkle in their eyes, their capacity to see humor in both good and bad times, their resolve to keep living life to the fullest. And I have the stability and comfort and love of a wonderful family and a partner who could have walked out but elected to stay.

Parkinson’s is a battle. But it’s a battle that energizes me and gives me new purpose. Don’t get me wrong: I have my fair share of not-so-good days. I’ve had setbacks to rebound from. But I’ve also gained insights that I hope made me a better man. My life is blessed.

Robert B. Ettleman
Naples, Florida

I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease six years ago, after a tremor in my fingers progressed to my entire hand. Many people can continue working with a tremor, but I knew I would have to give up dentistry, the profession I loved. I was fortunate that I quickly found a buyer for my practice (and that he let me come into the office and schmooze with my former patients). Still, there was an emptiness.

Yet I began to feel inspired by Michael J. Fox. If he was able to go from actor to advocate, I too could alter my path.

Soon my wife, Janet, and I founded Gulf Coast Dental Outreach — a community dental project that creates access to dental treatment for adult patients in need. We are a coalition of volunteer dentists and hygienists from the private sector, educational institutions, social services, county health officials and commercial supply and dental labs. In just 14 months we have provided $280,000 in care through 800 dental patient visits to low-income adults. Janet is CFO and I am Executive Director. It is a big job considering the size and growth of the organization, but the smiles on our patients faces make it worthwhile. I also find time to speak to dental students about access to healthcare and social responsibility in healthcare, and I’m training dental assistant students in business management.

I guess you could say I’m still practicing dentistry. I’ve just taken a different road.

Sheryl Jedlinski
Chicago, Illinois

Seeing myself through the eyes of others has given me confidence in my ability to beat Parkinson’s.

I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s 11 years ago, at age 44. I joined an online patient advocacy group to regain a sense of control over my life; there I made a new friend, Jean Burns, with whom I co-founded pdplan4life.com. It’s a Web site where people with PD can come to get helpful information, tips and support. Our goal is to empower others to live well with Parkinson’s by sharing our daily challenges and triumphs, fears and coping strategies. (I find humor in everything from the King Kong-size hickeys left on my back by massage cupping to the drowning of my cell phone in a pedicure bath.)

When I was first diagnosed, I could never have imagined how many lives I would touch as a result of PD. To date, people from all 50 states and more than 50 countries have visited pdplan4life. Every time we speak, people line up to hug us, shake our hands, and thank us for making them laugh and giving them hope. My disease has progressed, and I have days when my initial anger and sadness return. But I am doing far better than I would have expected. This year, Jean and I are crisscrossing the country to speak at five major conferences. All we want is to give back.

Evan Henry
Orange County, California

When I’d just been diagnosed with Parkinson’s, a friend looking for the silver lining offered, “Maybe it’s one of those character-building experiences.”

“I’ve already got plenty of #%^&* character,” I replied.

My personal conviction is that having Parkinson’s disease doesn’t happen for any particular reason. But as humans, we have a wonderful capacity to ascribe meaning to the events that shape our lives — and, perhaps more importantly, to make lemonade out of lemons.

In the six years since my diagnosis, though I’ve been lucky that my PD progression seems to be on a slow trajectory, barely a moment has gone by that my body hasn’t reminded me I have the disease. My coping strategies have run the gamut. I wrote a Parkinson’s-themed novel and helped to start the California Parkinson’s Group Foundation, a nonprofit that supports those with young-onset PD. I also serve on the University of California, Irvine, Stem Cell Research Center’s Patient Advocacy Committee. These efforts have been challenging, rewarding and affirming, and they’ve returned incredible friendship and support.

In the day-to-day, I remind myself that what’s important now isn’t really any different from what it was before Parkinson’s. I’m a husband, father, breadwinner, neighbor, runner, would-be chef, handyman, TV channel-changer, ice-cream-from-the-carton-eater and Scrabble player. Life goes on. I’ve just figured out that if you live with Parkinson’s, it’s a pretty good idea to keep a pitcher of lemonade in the fridge.

Jim Murray
Fort Collins, Colorado

When I was 40, I learned that I was a perfect bone marrow match for a 26-year-old man dying of leukemia. We met in person after the harvesting and donation of my marrow, and he told me how incredible it was to him that I would help someone I didn’t even know. But from my perspective, I’m so grateful to have had the incredible opportunity to give like that.

Ten years later I noticed a twitch in my left hand. Learning it was PD was a shock. Like everyone, when I was younger, I felt invincible. My grandparents all lived long, healthy lives, two of them into their late 90s. I had always assumed I would as well.

Since my diagnosis, the biggest change for me has been to let go of my assumptions. I look around and realize that others, too, are coping with life’s curve balls. But I also see that my experiences before my diagnosis were already preparing me for this realization. PD is a struggle, but I haven’t been at death’s door in a cancer center, waiting for bone marrow to save my life.

I know I’m not alone in fighting this disease. I have so much hope that a cure is just around the corner. The dedication I see in the efforts of Michael J. Fox, the Foundation’s researchers and my family and friends really keeps me going.

I’ve always been aware of how precious life is, but there is no question that my PD diagnosis heightened that awareness. Every day is a gift. Every morning is another day in Paradise.

Dave Dorsey
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

I was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s at age 39. Two years later, I was prescribed the gold standard treatment for Parkinson’s — levodopa. It was the only drug that could combat the now-relentless tremor controlling the left side of my body, but it presented horrifying side effects. My neurologist suggested deep brain stimulation, an elective surgery that could suppress my tremor without the side effects of levodopa. In July 2008 I underwent the eight-hour surgery, and I’ve seen great improvement.

Sharing my story is therapeutic; I only hope others might benefit from my experience. Parkinson’s is debilitating, but for me, it also has inspired solid friendships and even acts of heroism. Soon after my diagnosis my cousin, Katie, announced that she would run the ING NYC Marathon — her first — for Team Fox. Her run raised over $6,000 for Parkinson’s research. I was honored to run the last three miles with her, and as she crossed the finish line she forever changed my outlook on life. She taught me that with courage, perseverance and fortitude you will overcome any challenge.

Mary Anne Ostrenga
Naperville, Illinois

The surprising thing about having Parkinson’s disease and asking for help is that almost everyone says yes. I am eternally grateful for the compassion, generosity and donations of money and time I have received from unexpected acquaintances, family, old friends and former neighbors. Two friends travel to Naperville from Colorado every year to volunteer at the Garden Walk. The mayor attends and is our best cheerleader. I am constantly amazed by the support of my community.

I was diagnosed in 2001. Learning to cope with Parkinson’s has made me more courageous, sympathetic and compassionate. I became an advocate, telling my story publicly to bring awareness to the need for continued research toward a cure. I met other advocates, including former Attorney General Janet Reno and Michael J. Fox. Hearing Michael speak at the World Parkinson Congress in 2006 made a big impression on me. I realized that when you tell your story and make it personal, people step up to help you. That was when I decided to join Team Fox and began planning the first Garden Walk.

I have so many wonderful new friends that I would never have met if not for PD. I now have a passion, gardening, and a purpose, fundraising for PD research; together they give new meaning to my life.

Mike McConnell
Indianapolis, Indiana

I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2004, at age 53. I’ve had to give up a few things I used to enjoy, like woodworking — shaky guys and 10-inch table saw blades don’t work well together. But there are positives as well. I eat more slowly (helps in losing weight), drive more slowly (shouldn’t we all?), and find that I have to organize my thoughts and think about what I’m going to say before I open my mouth to speak. What a concept!

Like everyone else, I do worry about things. Will our savings last long enough? How will my mental faculties be affected? Will I be able to hold my grandbabies? I worry that someday all I’ll be able to do is sit and watch the History Channel in between massages and sponge baths from Inga, the blond healthcare worker I keep dreaming about (there’s that positive attitude again).

I’m not letting PD define my existence, but I’ve gotten involved in advocacy, and I fight back by raising money for a cure and participating in clinical trials — 14 since 2005. All have been learning experiences, and I’ve been buoyed by meeting all the caring docs and nurses, and smart scientists, who are working to cure PD.

We’re all going to come down with health problems eventually. At least now I know what I’ve got. And it could have been a whole lot worse. I’m a pharmacist, and I used to work in a hospital full of people who would have gladly traded their health problems for mine.

Larry Davis
Melbourne, Florida

I was an entrepreneur, and for many years my focus was on growing and selling companies. My focus changed when I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in March 2002. I now devote my available time to understanding this disease and supporting research to find a cure.

I don’t have unlimited funds, but I’ve chosen to direct what I do have all to one place: The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. I give to MJFF because I believe that this organization has what it takes to achieve its goal and to make a difference in the lives of the millions of people living with PD.

The strong and effective leadership of Michael J. Fox coupled with the intelligence, enthusiasm and care that I have observed in the Foundation’s staff lead me to believe that my money is going to research where it will have the strongest impact. The Foundation is consistently pursuing research that can impact patients' quality of life and I am confident that the cure is just ahead.

Gene Gurkoff
New York, New York

My grandfather has Parkinson's, and ever since his diagnosis I have been involved in raising money for Parkinson’s disease research. I have supported many PD organizations, but I principally support The Michael J. Fox Foundation because I believe that it is the most aggressive organization in this field. I was first introduced to the Foundation by a Board member who is a friend of my grandfather’s. I was inspired by MJFF’s commitment to find a cure for PD in this lifetime.

Fundraising possibilities are endless when an organization, like the Foundation, provides you with the tools you need and is open to unique ways to raise funds for Parkinson’s research. I’ve played in BREAKING PARkinson’s, the Foundation’s golf outing; hosted a party; and run the New York City Marathon as a member of Team Fox. 

I'm especially proud to be a part of Team Fox — it coordinates the efforts of people like me who want to raise money for Parkinson’s and it raises awareness of the disease. Team Fox brings people together as a unified group to work toward one goal, and as a participant you feel excited and optimistic every step of the way.

Neil Korf
New York, New York

I became aware of the Foundation when I was just a college student and even though I was young, I felt it was extremely important to contribute my efforts to the fight for a cure. The Michael J. Fox Foundation stood out in its aggressive stance on finding a cure. After my initial donation, the Foundation stayed in touch with me, particularly through newsletters providing detailed updates on where the money was going and the resulting medical developments that were occurring at a rapid pace. 

As a member of Team Fox, I discovered a devoted community all working together toward one common goal – to eradicate PD. MJFF has proved itself a leader in making PD history. I have full confidence that this Foundation, with the generous efforts of its donors and the hard work and dedication of its staff, will help give the final knockout punch to the struggle against PD, changing lives today and helping future generations forever. I am truly proud and honored to be a part of it.

Susan Bilotta
Jersey City, New Jersey

I wanted to make a difference for my mom and for the millions of people battling Parkinson's disease. The Foundation allows me to be involved in a way that truly adds value – working to find a cure for PD. MJFF is the only organization where all of the funding is directed toward researching how Parkinson's can be cured.

I admire Michael J. Fox for his strength and courage. He is an incredible role model for all those battling Parkinson’s, and even for those who aren’t. Not everyone could do what he does.

Supporting the Foundation makes you feel like you’re part of something that will lead to a cure. The Foundation brings together a community of people who, in one way or another, see the effects of Parkinson's disease and want to make a difference. I support MJFF because we need a cure and I believe the Foundation is going to bring us closer to that cure.

Madison Lyleroehr
Knoxville, Tennessee

My grandmother and my mother were diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease around the same time. While my grandmother died two years ago, my mother continues to live with the disease every day. I have seen firsthand what a challenge it can be. Shortly after my grandmother’s death, I recorded a CD and dedicated it to her memory. Every penny of its sales goes to The Michael J. Fox Foundation. 

The choice to donate the proceeds of the CD sales to MJFF was an easy one. I continue to be impressed by how much research the Foundation funds, and how it prioritizes unique and groundbreaking projects that might not otherwise be funded.

Between the amazing research the Foundation funds, the fundraising help, and the passion and energy that Michael J. Fox himself puts into the fight against Parkinson’s, I couldn’t have more confidence that we will reach our goal to find a cure for Parkinson’s disease.

Weldon Kirby
Lometa, Texas

"Parkinson’s has not stopped me from being the person that I wanted to be."

Years ago I made my living as a cattle rancher, raising and shipping cattle and sheep all around the country from my home state of Texas. The economy of the early 1980s took its toll, ending my profitable years in the ranching business. As I looked for a new pursuit, I discovered the value of stone quarries on my ranch, and Kirby Stone Company was born. We started delivering stone as far away as Pennsylvania, California, Colorado and New Mexico. My wife and I were privileged to travel all over the world. But mostly, we traveled the state of Texas developing lifelong business relationships and friends, as well as the peace of mind that comes with financial security.

One day I met my friend Mack Turner in a coffee shop in my home town of Lometa. Seeing the tremors in my hand, Mack suggested that I might have PD and insisted that I see a doctor friend of his in Brownwood. I began my journey on the long road to discover what the world of Parkinson’s is all about. After seeing my first neurologist, I wanted a second opinion from a PD specialist. In 1991, at the VA Hospital in San Antonio, my Parkinson’s diagnosis was confirmed.

Still, blessings came. Through our church, we were connected to young people in need from around the world, whom we could help realize their dreams. We provided an education for three young people from Albania, who each graduated with honors from Abilene Christian University and went on to earn advanced degrees. We also sent a young man from Jamaica to Duke University Medical School. He is now a doctor.

Of course, there have been downsides as well. Eventually, I had to sell our business because of PD. It was difficult to accept, but I could no longer retain numbers in my head or recall contracts or deal promises. And there’s no question that living with PD has changed my life in other ways. I have close friends from the scales (where our trucks used to be dispatched each day) who will help me when I stumble or fall. Now that I can no longer drive, other friends offer to pick me up to go for coffee. My wife oversees my medicines and my doctor’s appointments, similar to the way she kept the books in our business, with a fine-toothed comb. Her support provides me peace and comfort.

Looking back, I see what a strange quirk of fate it was that I had to give up my cattle business but found the stone business. It gave me renewed self-confidence to begin another business and create a different way to provide for my family. This is a good metaphor for how I see my Parkinson’s disease. It has brought stories of fulfillment but also of disappointment, and sometimes it’s hard to separate the two. But 18 years after my diagnosis, I know that Parkinson’s has not stopped me from being the person that I wanted to be.

Ken Glowienke
Oswego, Illinois

When I was diagnosed with young onset Parkinson’s in 2004 at age 38, I thought my life was over. My wife knew better and found The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s Web site. Soon we were able to find a way to make something positive out of a potentially devastating event. 

We founded The Focus on a Cure Foundation for Parkinson’s. We have the ability to direct funds to many worthy programs but are committed to the work of The Michael J. Fox Foundation because of its commitment to getting the money to the researchers fast and not stockpiling it in an endowment or reserves. Those things only matter if an organization plans to stick around for the long haul, and the Foundation is working toward the opposite goal — Michael and the entire staff are working to cure PD and go out of business.

MJFF knows the future is now and it has taken on nothing short of “being in charge of finding the cure.” We respect that position and believe MJFF is the most productive place we can donate our funds.

Katie Clark
Battle Creek, Michigan

There was a time in my life, not so long ago, that I could say that I didn't know anyone with Parkinson's disease but since getting involved with The Michael J. Fox Foundation, I have met many wonderful people living with PD. My involvement with the Foundation began not because I have a friend or relative living with PD, but because I was drawn to Michael's courage in facing the disease. I have a deep respect for his strength of character and his willingness to champion research that will impact millions of lives. 

After I became involved with Team Fox (as a marathon runner) I came to realize how responsibly the Foundation is run and how fully it serves its mission to find a cure. Knowing that 84 cents of every dollar raised goes directly to funding aggressive research makes it easy for me to ask friends and family to support my fundraising efforts. I am also consistently impressed with the responsiveness of the Foundation's dedicated staff and humbled by the appreciation that has been shown to me as a fundraiser. 

I hope to be able to say it again someday – that I don't know anyone with PD. Once we find a cure, everyone will be able to say it!

Maureen Ashdown
Cleaveland, Ohio

My father was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in January 2006 and I was fortunate to come across The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s Web site in my search for information about the disease. I have found the Foundation to be a wealth of information, providing me with a better understanding of PD. I also value the fact that all MJFF funding is allocated to find a cure.

I’m proud to be affiliated with the Foundation and I’ve been comforted to know that MJFF’s main goal is to go out of business. I am extremely honored to be a part of this amazing group of people and to know that Michael J. Fox and the Foundation staff have our loved ones in mind when they are making decisions about how to distribute the money they’ve raised. They make sure the most effective and aggressive research is being done — that gives me incredible hope for the future.

Judy Miller
Louisville, Kentucky

I am the president and executive director of The Miller Family Foundation and my foundation has been supporting MJFF since 2002. My step-mom, Irene, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 22 years ago and since then our family has been interested in the work being done to find a cure for PD.

Our family does not typically fund medical research, but we had a change of heart after we discovered MJFF. We were struck by how the Foundation brings together researchers from all around the world who would not normally work together. It convenes experts from so many different fields who all have one goal in common — to cure Parkinson’s. The Foundation is an organization doing what it set out to do and doing it in a smart way.

My family and I are optimistic about the future for Parkinson’s patients and we are hopeful that through its extraordinary work, the Foundation will find a cure for this disease.

Robin Ross
Deerfield, Illinois

My father Ronald Ross had early-onset Parkinson’s disease and passed away at 70 from a hemorrhagic stroke. He founded the Consolidated Anti-Aging Foundation to fund Parkinson’s research that might not receive government funding. His mandate to my sister and me was to continue the effort until PD is cured. We did extensive research to determine where to direct our funds, and came across The Michael J. Fox Foundation.

My sister and I are tremendously impressed by the way the Foundation has influenced research in this field. This is the one organization that really pushes researchers to develop clear, specific timelines and objectives, to collaborate with others, and to take a common-sense approach to PD research.  Hopefully, one day, research in all areas will be similarly influenced.

As a family touched by PD, we are grateful that Michael J. Fox was willing and insightful enough to put these changes in place. His Foundation has truly impacted the PD community.