I had the privilege of spending the evening at an event with local Team Fox-ers this weekend. If you are unfamiliar with this phrase, I am referencing the Michael J. Fox Foundation’s (MJFF) grassroots community fundraising program, which gives 100% of raised funds directly to Parkinson’s disease (PD) research. Across the country there are groups of people committed to supporting one another in their efforts to raise awareness and resources for PD research.

At last night’s gathering, our only true objective was to socialize and get to know one another on a deeper level. As a participating guest, I am happy to report that I made some new friends. Of equal significance was the energy and solidarity of being a part of a group that shares a common interest in finding a cure for PD. In the middle of the evening we all gathered in the host’s living room to formally introduce ourselves. We took the time to share our specific connections to the PD community. Each person that spoke had a distinct story to share and relayed how Parkinson’s disease had somehow impacted or changed their lives.

There are innumerable paths to getting involved and, as we continue into a new year, regardless of your proximity to PD, consider taking action. If you are looking to find a community because you have PD, joining or starting a Team Fox fundraiser is a great next step. If you are a family member and/or care partner of someone with PD, this is an excellent way to impact the future of the disease. If you don’t fit into either of those categories, getting involved is an excellent way to give back to your local PD community. The Parkinson’s Foundation states that Parkinson’s disease impacts at least one million Americans and an estimated 60,000 Americans are diagnosed each year.

Pancakes for Parkinson’s, Mrs. Mo Memorial Golf Tournament, TIPS for Parkinson’s, the New England Ride for Parkinson’s, and events like this happen across the country year-round. If you are looking for Team Fox events in your area, you can find a more comprehensive list here.

I am fortunate enough to be involved with various groups in the area that focus on a different aspect of Parkinson’s disease. There are countless ways to get involved and one of the objectives of The Parkinson’s Report is to be a resource hub for this type of information. If you are interested in getting involved or supporting someone else’s vision go check out the events coming up this year! If you are aware of any events similar to those discussed in this post or others that have not been discussed, please contact me directly to have them added.