The Michael J. Fox Foundation Gala is always a star-studded affair, and this year’s grand party, celebrating the 25th anniversary of MJFF, was no exception. Held in downtown Manhattan on November 15, the event raised more than $4 Million for Parkinson’s research and attracted over 800 guests, including journalist Katie Couric, actors Justin Long, Kate Bosworth, Meg Ryan, Julianna Margulies—and a star of PWF, our very own Jon Nathanson!
Jon, an artist and architect who serves on PWF’s founding Working Committee, was invited to be a speaker for the event’s morning program, the Research Roundtable. Discussing the lifestyle components of treatment, he presented alongside Dr. Bastiaan Bloem, Director of the Center of Expertise for Parkinson’s Disease at Radboud University Medical Center in Nijmegen, the Netherlands; Dr. Rachel Dolhun, a neurologist and lifestyle medicine physician who serves as a principal medical advisor for MJFF; and Brian Fiske, MJFF’s Chief Scientist. Vice President of Philanthropy for MJFF, Veronique Enos Kaefer, moderated. Jon shared his first-hand experience of how integrating exercise and wellness into his routine, such as boxing and dance, helps keep his mind and body focused while providing him with structure and balance. Speaking to patients, Jon encouraged audience members with PD to get moving, and to find joy and meaning in the process. “It was an honor to be the only panelist in that group living with Parkinson’s,” Jon shared. “I think I connected with many people living with the disease.”
PWF Co-Founders Bonnie and Derek Bandeen, Wellness Advisor Deb Cohen and her husband David, and Executive Director Catherine Goodwin and her husband Kieran also attended this year’s Fox Gala.
