22 Fox Focus | Community
Scott discovered MJFF after his PD diagnosis in 2022, and continues supporting the Foundation with regular gifts. Scott is pictured with his father Ron( left), who also had PD.
Saeed has turned a one-time donation into regular involvement with the MJFF community, making monthly donations and participating in multiple Run / Walk events.
Scott Winicour Deerfield, Illinois
FOR SCOTT WINICOUR, Parkinson’ s isn’ t just personal— it’ s generational. Eight years ago, his father was diagnosed with the disease. In 2022, at age 52, Scott received the same life-changing news. Instead of letting it define him, Scott decided to take action. His journey led him to MJFF, where he’ s now committed to making a difference for the Parkinson’ s community. When Scott discovered MJFF in 2022, he knew it was the right organization to support.“ I felt [ the Foundation ] did the best job of building awareness and raising money for a variety of different projects,” he said.“ Because of that, we’ re so much further along today than we were 10 years ago.”
While Scott supports MJFF by making regular gifts, he also wants people to know that there is more to driving progress than donating.“ Supporting research doesn’ t mean you have to write a check,” he said.“ Giving funds is important [ but ] there’ s a variety of other ways to get involved.” Scott is hopeful for the future and knows that his involvement with MJFF is making a real difference. Scott’ s message to the Parkinson’ s community is simple:“ Don’ t give up— we’ re closer than ever to a cure.”
Saeed Faridzadeh London, United Kingdom
SAEED FARIDZADEH didn’ t spend much time thinking about Parkinson’ s until it directly impacted his family. When his brother-in-law, Allen, was diagnosed, Saeed knew he had to find a way to support him.“ Because it affected my family directly, I could see the disease more clearly,” he said.“ I thought about what I could do. I like problem-solving [ and ] I like fixing things.” So, Saeed started donating.
What began as a one-time donation quickly turned into a monthly commitment.“ I keep donating because MJFF shows me that there is hope,” Saeed said.
He is also involved in the MJFF community: During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Saeed participated in the MJFF Virtual Run / Walk and the Foundation’ s New York City Run / Walk to spread awareness and raise funds for research. Awareness is particularly critical in Saeed’ s mind:“ Raising awareness is one of the most important parts to getting involved. Reminding people that PD is a complicated disease that impacts individuals and families.”
Saeed continues to look for ways to make an even bigger impact.“ Sometimes I wish I could find ways of doing more,” he said.“ Allen’ s my brother-in-law, and I won’ t give up until he’ s cured.”