The Fox Focus Fall/Winter 2017 | Page 24

Community TEAMING UP FOR A CURE Meet two community members who are helping Team Fox fuel critical Parkinson’s research. by SOPHIA LIZARDI Earlier this year, Bill Brown, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2015, launched “Skiing for Parkinson’s” with the goal of completing four Worldloppet cross-country ski races in different countries. Bill raced in Germany, France, Canada and Iceland, surpassing his fundraising goal to raise more than $66,000 and help change people’s perceptions of PD. He’s already preparing for the event’s second year, saying, “I found the outpouring of support amazing.” During Parkinson’s Awareness Month in April, Holly Kitay, who lives with PD, decided to throw herself a 65th “birthday party with a purpose.” She and husband Barry invited friends and family to experience glass blowing demonstrations and auction at the Sonoran Glass School in Tucson, Arizona. The night lived up to its theme of “Open Your Heart,” raising $10,000 for the Foundation and prompting Holly to look back gratefully on the generosity she and Barry experienced: “I’m still sitting here, mouth open at all we raised.” Bill Brown takes to the slopes for a cure. Barry and Holly Kitay (left) with their family at the “Open Your Heart” celebration Whether your passion is throwing a birthday bash or taking on a new athletic challenge, anyone can create a fundraiser and help accelerate a cure: 100 percent of Team Fox proceeds go directly to the Foundation’s high-impact programs. Learn more at teamfox.org. 24 The Fox Focus