The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research’s Post

Currently, a group of four men, called Team Human Powered Potential, are rowing 2,800 miles across the Pacific Ocean to spread awareness for Parkinson's and speed a cure for the disease. Inspired by their undertaking, The Michael J. Fox Foundation has launched the Summer Challenge, a community-led exercise and fundraising event. Hear from Liz Diemer, MJFF's vice president of community fundraising about how you can participate in the challenge, support the rowers and take advantage of our historic 3:1 match opportunity. Get involved: https://bit.ly/3zEZiCR

The Michael J. Fox Foundation is excited to bring our Tour de Fox Wine Country event back in-person this September at the Francis Ford Coppola Winery. This fan-favorite event includes three gorgeous, untimed routes for cyclists of every level. Participants can choose from our Arctic Fox (14.5 miles), Swift Fox (44 miles) or Fennec Fox (72 miles) through beautiful Sonoma Wine Country. 100% of the funds raised will help eliminate Parkinson's disease in our lifetime. Register now and join us on September 21: https://bit.ly/4cJnWkf

Parkinson's disease policy has seen big wins in both federal and state governments this year. Julia Pitcher, director of state government relations, and Zach Hardy, state government relations manager at The Michael J. Fox Foundation break down the impact of state policy work. Learn more: https://bit.ly/3Y3s1LS

In the latest episode of the Parkinson’s Research Podcast, Dr. Honglei Chen, Professor at the Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics of Michigan State University discusses his research on how environmental factors can contribute to the development of neurodegenerative diseases. Dr. Chen’s work specifically focuses on the link between loss of smell, environmental exposures and Parkinson’s disease. Better understanding how environmental factors may contribute (alone or in combination with genetic factors) to the development of Parkinson's disease may lead to new approaches to prevent or slow the progression of neurodegeneration. Listen to the episode to learn more: https://bit.ly/3VSzlXU * This podcast is geared toward researchers and clinicians. If you live with Parkinson’s or have a friend or family member with PD, listen to The Michael J. Fox Foundation Parkinson’s Podcast: https://bit.ly/3W1iKBa

Just over a year ago, there was a major breakthrough in Parkinson’s disease (PD) research – the discovery of a tool that could detect abnormal alpha-synuclein protein in the spinal fluid of people living with PD even before onset of symptoms. In our recent “Parkinson’s Science POV” podcast episode, MJFF’s Maggie McGuire Kuhl, vice president of research engagement leads a discussion with Brian Fiske, PhD and Mark Frasier, PhD, MJFF co-chief science officers. They discuss the ways the biomarker discovery helps reveal connections with other brain diseases and holds the promise to make clinical trials cheaper, faster and more effective. Listen now: https://bit.ly/3LoS0FK

Ending soon! Register for The Michael J. Fox Foundation's Parkinson's Disease Therapeutics Conference happening on October 17, 2024 in New York City with early bird special promo code EB2024 (ends July 19). Each year, the PD Therapeutics Conference brings together 300 research and business development professionals from both academia and industry and showcases the most exciting and innovative research from MJFF's research portfolio. Register today to secure your seat. https://bit.ly/3Y22hPI

This just in: The National Plan to End Parkinson's Act has been signed into law! MJFF and our 2.75 million friends and advocates thank you, President Biden! And thanks to everyone who has helped get us here: advocates, scientists, patients, families, clinicians, caregivers and legislators, especially the bill’s lead sponsors Senators Shelley Moore Capito and Chris Murphy and Representatives Gus Bilirakis and Paul Tonko and other champions including Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Representative Jennifer Wexton. In short order, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will create an advisory council and the National Parkinson's Project, a first-ever federal initiative to prevent and cure Parkinson’s disease, treat its symptoms and slow or stop its progression. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ePmyyBHh Let’s get to work!

“Patients with Parkinson’s, we hold the answer. It’s within us, and the scientific community needs us to participate [in research] because we are the key,” says Lauren Traub. “I really feel hopeful that we are close [to a cure] and I’m excited to be a part of it.” Tune into our latest podcast episode where you’ll hear from our expert panel: • Maggie McGuire Kuhl, vice president of patient engagement at MJFF • Lauren Traub, registered nurse Team Fox member diagnosed with PD in 2018 • Bret Parker (he/him), executive director for the New York City Bar Association and co-chair of MJFF’s Patient Council, diagnosed with PD in 2007 • Paulina Gonzalez-Latapi, MD, movement disorder specialist and assistant professor of neurology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine Together, they discuss the practicalities of volunteering for research, including the many benefits of participation for the volunteer and the entire Parkinson’s community. Listen now: https://bit.ly/4cf5GiL

Right now, a team of four men, aka Team Human Powered Potential, is rowing across the Pacific Ocean to support Parkinson’s research. Brendan, Peter, Scott and Pat — who lives with Parkinson’s — are taking on this 2,800-mile journey with an ambitious goal of raising $28 million. Thanks to an anonymous donor, their efforts are supported by a historic 3:1 match. That means every $1 raised will turn into $4 to power Parkinson’s research. And the best part? There are many ways you can join them this summer and have your contributions matched, too! Donate and get involved in MJFF’s Summer Challenge now: https://bit.ly/3zqJhQH