Epin Christensen’s mother was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) over a decade ago. In November 2023, Epin joined our Parkinson’s Champions team and took to the race course, running the same marathon to which she has a deep attachment.  

“I grew up watching the NYC Marathon from my childhood bedroom, admiring the runners as they passed by my home. I have fond memories of those moments with my mom, and she was proud that I ran this marathon in her honor.” 

Parkinson’s Champions athletes raise funds and awareness for the Parkinson’s Foundation while competing in some of the world’s most popular endurance events. Every step they take brings us closer to a future without PD — because Parkinson’s is not a sprint but a marathon.  

Epin raised more than $5,000 for Parkinson’s research and completed the race in honor of her mother. “We run and will continue to run for people with Parkinson’s,” she said. 

“The marathon holds a special place in my heart, but running it to support those battling this terrible disease is even more meaningful. In addition to my mother, I have friends who are courageously living with young-onset Parkinson’s. Furthermore, many friends have shared their heartbreaking family experiences with Parkinson's.”- Epin 

After completing this incredibly special marathon in 2023, Epin continued to seek ways to support the work of the Parkinson’s Foundation and honor her mother. She found what she was looking for at the Marine Corps Marathon Weekend as a the Champions Cheer Team Captain in October 2024.  

The Champions Cheer Team inspires Parkinson’s Champions athletes as they challenge themselves in races and marathons across the country. She brought pom poms, signs, smiles and endless sugary snacks to support those putting their bodies to the test for their loved ones fighting PD.  

Epin is a leader and an inspiration, diving in feet first to show her love and support for her mother in her battle with PD.  

Explore upcoming Parkinson’s Champions endurance races or join our Champions Cheer Team.  

When Amanda Meyers' dad, Bob Moses, was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 2020, she wanted to help, but did not know where to start. She eventually found Parkinson's Revolution, an indoor cycling fundraising event — but there was no event in her town. As the owner of the cycling studio Revolution Buffalo in NY, signing up to host was a natural first step. 

"I expected the event to be mostly my dad's friends and family in support of him, but our clients came out of the woodwork," said Amanda. "Since the first year, it's been larger than we expected. It’s an unfortunate circumstance that brings us all together but it is so empowering to work together to raise funds for something many of us are affected by.” 

Since its first year, Parkinson’s Revolution Buffalo has quadrupled its fundraising goal, with the 2025 event raising nearly $80,000.  Amanda said she is more inspired each year by the people who join Revolution Buffalo to honor her dad and the whole Parkinson’s disease (PD) community.  

"Revolution is a great way for people to help and feel supported," she said. "When my dad was first diagnosed, the unknown was the biggest struggle. We worked so hard to make this a big fundraiser — a simple, fun thing for people to join, and it means so much to the people Parkinson's affects directly."  

Bob shared his diagnosis as part of Parkinson's Revolution. “I’ve been a business owner most of my life, so I’ve always been big on fixing problems. I wanted to jump in, help raise money and say, ‘hey, let’s fix this,’” Bob said.  

Bob and Amanda find value in the Parkinson’s Foundation programs for people with PD and care partners. They also enjoy meeting people with PD and their families through Parkinson’s Revolution.  

“The Foundation is great because it brings positive information to the forefront and provides a lot of resources on how to stay active and informed. Having other people to relate to and discuss Parkinson’s with is so helpful.” 

  “The first year, we had five riders who are living with Parkinson's,” she said. “You never know what the person next to you is going through. That just makes it so much more impactful.” 

Interested in getting involved? Explore the many ways you can fundraise to support the Parkinson’s Foundation at Parkinson.org/Fundraise. 

I am running the 2025 Boston Marathon for the Parkinson’s Foundation through the generous support of Team Abbott because of a deeply personal connection to Parkinson’s disease (PD) and a lifelong commitment to raising awareness and funds for research.

Ten years ago, my father was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, an event that forever changed the course of our lives. It marked the beginning of a journey that has been challenging but also transformative.

As a primary care doctor, I witness the impact of Parkinson’s every day through my patients, many of whom struggle with the same symptoms that my father faces. I am driven to take action, not just as a caregiver to my dad, but as a physician, advocate and athlete with a mission to make a tangible difference in the fight against Parkinson’s.

Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder that affects movement, causing tremors and rigidity. While the symptoms are debilitating, what is often overlooked is the emotional and psychological toll it takes on both patients and their families. Watching my father navigate these challenges has fueled my passion to raise awareness about the disease, promote research into better treatments, and ultimately find a cure.

Running in the Boston Marathon is not just an athletic challenge for me; it is a personal commitment to honor my father’s resilience and to support the Parkinson’s Foundation in its efforts to improve the quality of life for people living with this disease.

In 2021, I ran the Philadelphia Marathon for the Parkinson’s Foundation as a Parkinson’s Champion and was able to raise $10,000 for the cause. That experience was incredibly rewarding, not only because of the financial support I was able to provide but also because it helped me connect with others who were similarly affected by Parkinson’s. I learned firsthand how powerful a community can be when it comes together with a shared purpose.

That race reignited my drive to do more, to be part of something bigger than myself. My goal now is to raise $100,000 over the course of my life for the Parkinson’s Foundation. This is not just about hitting a financial target — it is about making a real and lasting impact in the lives of those battling Parkinson’s and supporting the critical work of the Foundation.

Running the Boston Marathon is a way for me to push my own limits in honor of those who face the challenges of Parkinson’s every day. Each mile I run will be a reminder of the obstacles my father faces, the struggles of my patients, and the countless others affected by this disease.

It is my hope that my efforts inspire others to join this cause and to remember that together, we can make a difference.

Run as a Parkinson’s Champion today! Help raise funds and awareness for the Parkinson’s Foundation while competing in some of the world’s most popular endurance events.