After witnessing the unforgettable events surrounding the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings, a group of 5 friends were determined to take action. Inspired to make a difference, the group banded together and decided to begin training to the run the 2013 NYC Marathon in support of Team Fox. 

Named after the well-known major-league baseball umpire Frank Pulli, who battled Parkinson’s for over a decade until his passing just a few weeks ago, Team Pulli is comprised of:  Domenique, Frank’s daughter who is running in her dad’s honor, Price Richardson, Francesca Winkler, Jason Holland and team captain, Jeremy Holland.  Jeremy, who works as a bartender/server at the Palm Pavilion Beachside Bar & Grill has been donating his tips every Tuesday to the Michael J Fox Foundation.

I had the chance to connect with Jeremy and ask him more about the team and his experience:

Matt Mitchell: You have run marathons before, tell me how this years’ experience compares with previous marathons.

Jeremy Holland: This race blows everything out of the water. This is the first marathon I've run for a purpose - to bring awareness to PD.  It's so much easier to run/train when you know that you're literally carrying the fight with you.  Every single mile brings more awareness and more money to the Michael J Fox Foundation. With that accountability and responsibility, how could this not be the best yet?! I look most forward to seeing team member Domenique cross her first finish line; especially knowing her father (who recently passed away) will be there in spirit waiting for her.

MM: Tell me about how the team is staying connected and motivated through a long, tough training season, with all of the others challenges life presents?

JH: This is the biggest challenge anyone faces when preparing for a marathon. I think our biggest accomplishment is understanding that we are each going to run our own race; holding others accountable while still maintaining a personal drive.

MM: This journey (marathon training while raising awareness and funds for Parkinson’s disease) is a huge endeavor.  Over the course of the past few months what has surprised you the most?  What has been most fulfilling?

JH: The thing that really caught me off guard was the overwhelming support of not only my friends, family, and loved ones - but of complete strangers.  It's amazing how every single person has a story and the amount of people that I found who could connect with mine was so inspirational.

Every Tuesday, I get the opportunity to meet new people and hear new stories that keep me motivated towards creating a better world. Back in June, I was privileged to meet a lady who made this entire thing come together for me:

She walked into the restaurant having no idea of the fundraising efforts, but when she heard what I was doing, all she could do was hug me and cry.  I gave her a moment to collect herself and when I returned to talk to her about it, she told me that she had lost her husband to Parkinson's just four days prior.  Her daughter had brought her out to lunch that day as the first place she had gone since the death.  She was convinced her husband was in the restaurant with her that day because of it, and has returned every single Tuesday to see me. (And him!)

After receiving an incredible amount of support from friends, family and the broader community, Team Pulli quickly increased their fundraising goal from $5,000 to $10,000 (a goal they just recently surpassed, as well). The spirit and support continues to grow as the NYC Marathon on November 3^rd gets closer and more and more momentum is behind this group of inspiring athletes who have become fantastic advocates for The Michael J. Fox Foundation and for Parkinson’s awareness. 

Find more information about the team, and to support their efforts, visit: www.teampulli.com.