Each of us have a “why”…

What’s yours?

Amanda Butz (our graphic designer extraordinaire!) is passionate about our cause due to her Grandma Joy Butz having Parkinson’s for 26 years. A mother of 7 children, and an avid photographer her whole life, Joy was always a beacon of positivity and strength. When she was diagnosed in her late 60s after losing her husband Don to a heart attack, she didn’t dwell on the negative of the situation, she continued to live her life to the fullest and always kept a positive attitude. She traveled with female friends, spent lots of time with her children and many grandchildren, and enjoyed her love of photography up until her early 90s when she eventually passed away. She lived a long full life and didn’t let Parkinson’s define her, she battled it with strength, hope, and grace. In loving memory of Joy Clark Butz ♥️

Spencer joined our cause because his father, Bradley, had Parkinson’s for 10 years. Brad came from a large, closeknit family (6 siblings) in a small town in Wisconsin, but boasted a big and infectious personality that seemed to be contagious with those around him. All those close to Brad knew him as “Corn.” Corn was technically short for “Corndog,” and although the stories vary by narrator, they all come back to a weekend softball tournament concession stand. A mailman by trade, he found his creative outlet in woodworking, which expanded into all forms of DIY and renovation work for his own home and led to side jobs for friends, family, and most often the people he met on his mail route. Parkinson’s certainly took Brad earlier than any would have hoped, but we feel grateful for the time we had and the impact he made on all those surrounded by him.

Five years or so ago my sister, Ann, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. When I learned of the Rock Steady Boxing program for people with Parkinson’s I was excited for the opportunity to help by coaching classes. What I’ve learned from coaching these classes is that the participants work incredibly hard with their workouts and are committed to all the other hard work needed to slow down the progression of the disease. They are a supportive community, caring about each other, how each other are doing, what treatments have been working or not working for them, as well as encouraging each other to be involved in support groups. A cornerstone of the Parkinson’s Foundation is research and development in the treatment of Parkinson’s. I am an active supporter in the Parkinson’s Foundation by volunteering and offering financial support. Through research, the lives of people with Parkinson’s will be improved and create hope for the future. — Jane

At the age of 46 my dad was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. He is considered to have early onset Parkinson’s which is diagnosed to people under the age of 50. Over the past few years it has been a learning curve for my family and me. I see changes in my dad and I have to reflect on how Parkinson’s is playing a role in that. My grandpa has had a particularly hard time with my dad’s diagnosis. He sees his son with something that he should be more likely to have and he wishes that he could take it away from him. It has been difficult to say the least.

Staying active has always been the least of my concerns with my dad’s diagnosis. He was raised working on the farm and has been a golfer his whole life. The man doesn’t know how to sit still. He continues to golf and exercise in hopes of improving his motor skills for the long run.

I joined the Fore Parkinson’s team this year because of my dad’s diagnosis and our love for golf. This wonderful event is put on by my amazing coworker Megan Van Beck and her family. Please join us in the fight to find a cure for Parkinson’s. — Henley