The following story appeared in our Fall/Winter 2023 edition of The Fox Focus on Parkinson’s newsletter. For this story and more, download the full edition.
The historic resort of Capon Springs, West Virginia has always held a special place in Gail Oliver's heart. It's where her mother, Dorothy Moorhouse, spent time as a child; where Gail's family vacationed every summer; where she met and married her husband; and where lifelong friendships were formed. So, when her mother, affectionately known as "Mrs. Mo," passed away in 2004 after living with Parkinson's, there was no question that Gail would honor her mother at their cherished family spot.
That year, on the golf course's first tee, beside the bench dedicated to the memory of Gail's parents, The Mrs. Mo Memorial Golf Tournament was established. Friends gathered and golfers teed off to raise funds for Parkinson's research in Dorothy's honor. What started as an intimate moment for Gail remember her mother inspired a new tradition extending two decades and raising more than $200,000 for research. Since inception in 2006, Team Fox members around the world have raised over $100 million for Parkinson's research, 100 percent of which goes directly to high-impact programs.
"The Mrs. Mo is a labor of love, which began in memory of my mother, and has now evolved into also honoring the dear friends that we have made along the way — our Team Fox family," Gail says, adding she is "overwhelmed with gratitude for the kindness and generosity of all who have supported the tournament over all these years."
"Gail has been a steady source of inspiration and encouragement to our Team Fox community," says Liz Diemer, MJFF's vice president of community fundraising.
For Gail, the 20th anniversary of the event offers a moment to honor and reflect on the deep friendships made over the years — and to honor her mother in the place she loved most.
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