The following story appeared in our Fall/Winter 2024 edition of The Fox Focus on Parkinson’s newsletter. For this story and more, download the full edition.
Team Fox is the grassroots community fundraising program of The Michael J. Fox Foundation. Since 2006, Team Fox members worldwide have been turning their passions and interests into events for friends, families and supporters that raise critically needed funds for Parkinson’s research. From comic book lovers to motorcycle enthusiasts, these creative champions are making a difference — one unique event at a time — and having fun while doing it.
Team Fox NOLA Strikes Out Parkinson’s
When Madison Hurwitz, 33, from New Orleans, Louisiana (front row, center), learned of her father’s Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2016, she quickly took action by launching Team Fox NOLA. What started as a small group of friends raising funds has grown into a vibrant community of young professionals. Their annual bowling bash, “Pins for Parkinson’s,” has become a highlight of the year, racking up over $200,000 so far, with every strike and pin knocked down rolling them closer to a cure.
Staying Cool for a Cure on “Shake and Freeze Day”
If you find yourself passing through Pennsylvania on the shortest day of the year, don’t be surprised if you spot a lively group braving the cold in festive shorts. It’s all part of “Shake and Freeze Day,” a tradition led by Jeanne Quinn (front row, third from the right), 63, of Warrington, Pennsylvania, to honor members of her family who lived with Parkinson’s. Since 2018, this fundraiser has raised over $166,000, showing their commitment to a cure endures even on the coldest days.
Drawing for a Difference With Team Cul de Sac
Chris Sparks, 54, of Asheville, North Carolina, founded Team Cul de Sac to honor his friend Richard Thompson, creator of the Cul de Sac comic strip, who lived with Parkinson’s. Each year, artists from across the country contribute unique renditions of Thompson’s beloved characters for a one-of-a-kind fundraising book. The team also hosts an annual “Drink and Draw” event at HeroesCon, a comic book convention in Charlotte, North Carolina, where creativity comes to life. Since 2010, this powerful combination of art and heart has raised over $270,000.
Phil Comar’s Hands-Free Mission
Phil Comar, 75, of Adrian, Michigan, doesn’t just ride motorcycles — he redefines what’s possible on two wheels. Since 2010, Phil has been riding and raising money mile after mile, often without using his hands, in honor of his father, who lived with Parkinson’s. In 2020, he set the World Record for the longest non-stop, no-handed motorcycle ride, cruising an astounding 680 miles without touching the handlebars. With over $120,000 raised so far, his grip on the mission to find a cure remains firm, even with his hands off his bike.
If you’re ready to turn your own hobbies into something bigger, visit michaeljfox.org/do-it-yourself to get started.