Community Contributors
We are grateful to the members of The Michael J. Fox Foundation community who supported the creation of this guide by sharing their experiences and feedback.
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Prentis Brooks is a care partner to his wife, Christie. Christie was diagnosed with Parkinson’ s in 2013 at age 50, and with multiple system atrophy in 2024 at age 61. Read Prentis’ story on page 30.
Zoe Butchen is a care partner to her dad, Jeff. Zoe is a corporate giving relationship manager at MJFF. Read Zoe’ s story on page 27.
Heather Butchen is a care partner to her husband, Jeff. Jeff was diagnosed in 2013 at age 51. Read Heather’ s story on page 55.
Melissa Clague enjoys a mutually supportive relationship with her wife, Stephane Smart. Stephanie was diagnosed with Parkinson’ s in 2018 at age 54. Read Melissa’ s story on page 13.
Jessie Drew-Cates was a care partner to her husband, Billy Cates. Billy was diagnosed in 2015 at age 70 and passed away in September 2025. Read Jessie’ s story on page 47.
Kate Harmon was a longdistance care partner to her dad, Bob. Bob was diagnosed in 2006 at age 57 and passed away in 2024. Kate is a senior community fundraising specialist at MJFF. Read Kate’ s story on page 19.
Josip Markus is a care partner to his father, Alojz. Alojz was diagnosed in 2006 at age 62. Read Josip’ s story on page 34.
Julie Porter supports her close friend, Becca Miller. Becca was diagnosed in 2013 at age 39. Read Julie’ s story on page 62.
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Walter Siegenthaler is a long-distance care partner to his daughter, Erika Neitzke. Erika was diagnosed in 2019 at age 40. Read Walter’ s story on page 58.
We would also like to thank the following members of The Michael J. Fox Foundation community, whose photos appear throughout this guide:
Patient Council members Leonard Chandler, Jimmy Choi, Denise Coley, Michael S. Fitts, Soania Mathur, MD and Claudia Revilla; community member Bernard Whitman; and their families.