Spring / Summer 2025 | Community 21
Community Action for a Cure:
How You Can Make a Difference
Learn how four donors are helping The Foundation make a difference in Parkinson’ s research.
By Liv Newlon
Jillian Zivanovic Newtown, Pennsylvania
JILLIAN ZIVANOVIC didn’ t hesitate when her husband, David, was diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’ s at 45.“ I wanted to do something that mattered and get involved,” she said.“ I had no idea what was going on with Parkinson’ s until it affected our family. To see how much advocacy and research is being done by MJFF, it gives us hope.”
In 2021, after seeing her husband enroll in MJFF’ s landmark study, the Parkinson’ s Progression Markers Initiative( PPMI), Jillian decided to join as well.“ It seemed like an easy way to contribute and make an impact,” she said. But she wanted to do even more. Jillian is also a dedicated donor and is involved in advocacy work.“ I was always interested in lobbying, and we live close to our representative. I want to bring more representation to early-onset Parkinson’ s.”
After David’ s diagnosis, Jillian channeled her long-time interest in lobbying into on the ground advocacy to bring awareness to YOPD.
Parkinson’ s research is advancing faster than ever before, but the goal of finding a cure for PD can’ t be realized without community action— action from by people like Jillian.“ There are so many ways to get involved, big or small,” Jillian said.“ MJFF makes it easy to find a way to contribute to help you or your loved one.”