Today, we shared the story of Joyce Chu, a local runner diagnosed with Parkinsons Disease just about 4 years ago. She is running the NY Marathon as a benefit for Parkinsons Disease research through Team Fox...the Michael J Fox Foundation.
Below is more information from Joyce and the link where you can learn more about Team Fox and, if you would like to, make a donation to Joyce's NY Marathon run.
I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease four years ago. As many of you know, I was an avid runner prior to my diagnosis, previously winning the Ontario Shore Marathon. Although seemingly mild, my movement problems have impacted my ability to run, play tennis, use a mouse and drink out of a martini glass. I ran/galloped the NYC Marathon in 2010 and 2011 for TEAM FOX, the community fund raising branch of the Michael J. Fox Foundation. I ran a PW (personal worst) in 2010 (4 hours, 5 minutes), but my encounter with Michael J. Fox has changed my outlook on life. I was interviewed by Michael J. Fox for a documentary on Parkinson's Disease a couple days before the 2010 NYC Marathon; he is an optimistic, kindhearted man who has so effectively used his notoriety to raise awareness about Parkinson's disease and to raise funds for PD research. He has given patients with Parkinson's Disease hope and has significantly impacted the lives of many of us with PD.
Through my involvement with TEAM FOX, I was fortunate to meet many of the TEAM FOX staff, members and athletes. They are uniformly positive and dedicated to achieving the mission of the Michael J. Fox Foundation, to bring better treatments and, ultimately, a cure to people living with Parkinson's Disease.
This will be my last marathon. Although running was my passion in the past, I no longer enjoy it. Running is a chore because my right leg doesn't keep up with my left. I have to remember to pick up my right leg with each step or I end up tripping and falling. To celebrate my last marathon, I have the honor of running with fellow TEAM FOX member and Parkinson's patient, Matt Wilbur. I met Matt at a TEAM FOX function a few months after the 2010 NYC Marathon. He has been an inspiration for me; he stays positive as he trudges along for 7 hours to complete the NYC marathon.
WHY TEAM FOX:
TEAM FOX is the Michael J. Fox Foundation's (MJFF) grassroots community fundraising program. It is made up of thousands of people worldwide who raise funds and awareness for Parkinson's Disease research. All funds raised through Team Fox go directly to MJFF to further its mission to accelerate the delivery of life-changing treatment, and ultimately a cure, to people with Parkinson's Disease.
TEAM FOX and the Michael J. Fox Foundation are changing the course of Parkinson’s Disease. They are the major driving force in the search for a cure for Parkinson's Disease. Their capacity to streamline and fund targeted research will likely result in breakthrough treatments for Parkinson's disease
With Thanks,
Joyce Chu
