Spring / Summer 2024 | In the Spotlight 7
The Singular Vision Transforming Parkinson ’ s Research
By Kristina Magana
Michael J . Fox memorably gave a five-word acceptance speech upon receiving a best-ofthe-internet Webby Award for the Foundation in 2021 , saying : “ Purity of motive amplifies impact .” That short statement has always defined MJFF ’ s vision to accelerate the pace of research , solve field-wide problems and make a tangible impact on patients ’ lives .
Recent media coverage of the Foundation gives a comprehensive look at how this North Star led to a watershed year for Parkinson ’ s research in 2023 . In his article “ Michael J . Fox and Sergey Brin Take Their Push for a Parkinson ’ s Cure to the Next Level ,” award-winning health and science Bloomberg journalist Robert Langreth highlights MJFF ’ s transformative role in global Parkinson ’ s research .
The Foundation ’ s dynamic and instrumental partnerships , like the strategic philanthropy from the Sergey Brin Family Foundation through its Aligning Science Across Parkinson ’ s ( ASAP ) initiative , have helped to speed a diverse therapeutic pipeline and next steps toward trials aimed at disease
PHOTO BY VICTOR LLORENTE
From coverage in TIME and Bloomberg and receiving accolades for sharing his life story in STILL : A Michael J . Fox Movie and making headlines for his leadership in transforming Parkinson ’ s research , Michael continues to practice his career as an actor , best-selling author and advocate . Michael , above , with MJFF CEO and Co-founder Debi Brooks , recently shared what this moment means to him : “ Parkinson ’ s has been a gift . It ’ s been a gift that keeps on taking . But it ’ s been a gift because it ’ s given me an audience to talk about what ’ s possible .”
progression and prevention , says Langreth . Early on , he says , Michael and MJFF had the vison to position the Foundation as a neutral convener :
“ His foundation aimed to give out grants faster and with less paperwork than government funders while forcing scientists , who can be highly competitive , to share data . It focused on blue-sky research but also funded applied science that could lead to drugs and diagnostics , including eventually providing money directly to companies .”
Read the full article in Bloomberg at bloomberg . com .