Spring / Summer 2020 | Community
23
months that followed, Maureen’s mother
was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, which
ultimately claimed her life. “My sister Bridget
and I were sitting in the hospice room and I
whispered to her, ‘How about the 2020 New
York City Marathon? I will run for Team
Fox and you can run for Project Purple (for
pancreatic cancer research).’”
“It’s been quite a year-and-a-half of loss,” says
Maureen. “Running has always been a part of
my dealing with my dad’s disease and giving
us hope that MJFF is working really hard to
cure this,” she says. “I haven’t run a marathon
in a while so I’m looking forward to the
challenge and to diving deep into fundraising
again and being closer to the cause. It helps
me feel closer to my dad.”
As this newsletter went to press, Maureen,
Bridget and thousands of marathon runners
were hopeful that the event would be able to
go on in spite of current pandemic-related
restrictions. (Maureen was part of the 2012
Team Fox New York City Marathon team
when the race was canceled at the last
minute because of Superstorm Sandy’s
devastation in the Northeast, when Team
Fox runners completed a makeshift
marathon in Central Park). The 2020 New
York City Marathon is set to be a memorable
one. It’s the 50th anniversary of the race,
it’s Team Fox’s 15th year as a charity partner
and it’s just five days before Maureen turns
50. “I love being a part of the weekend.
My dad and mom watched me run in New
York City so it’s a bit nostalgic. This year,
I’m excited to do it with my sister and to
have my husband and kids there,” she says.
Training for the race in November means
long, hot training runs in the summer heat,
but Maureen is confident, “My dad will get
me through the miles.” She says, “Running
those miles for people who can’t is such a
privilege. Regardless of if my dad is here or
not, I feel vindicated knowing that progress
is being made.”
A Community of
“Friends to Lean On”
In April we hosted a virtual premiere of our most recent film about the support systems
that define our community (visit michaeljfox.org/friends to watch on-demand). As
the film highlights, the Team Fox community plays a critical role in connecting the dots
between the Foundation and individuals and families impacted by Parkinson’s.
Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a rookie runner, Team Fox is waiting for you. Visit
michaeljfox.org/athlete for information about becoming a Team Fox athlete.
STILL FROM THE FILM, “FRIENDS TO LEAN ON,” DIRECTED BY
NELLE FORTENBERRY, FOUNDATION BOARD MEMBER