Latest news with #TheMichaelJ.FoxFoundation
Malaysian Reserve
21-05-2025
- Health
- Malaysian Reserve
The 10,000 Brains Project Launches the "Path-ND" Digital Brain Banking Program to Transform Neurodegenerative Disease Research
Funding from the Kissick Family Foundation Expands Frontotemporal Dementia Data; New Partnership with The Michael J. Fox Foundation Enhances Parkinson's Research OAKLAND, Calif., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — The 10,000 Brains Project today announced the launch of Path-ND, a groundbreaking digital brain banking program designed to digitize at least 5,000 neuropathology cases over the next two years. This major initiative will make ultra high-resolution brain tissue images more widely accessible for neurodegenerative disease research and on an unprecedented scale, enabling researchers to unlock critical insights into diseases like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Unlike traditional approaches that study these disorders in isolation, The 10,000 Brains Project is leading the new era in neuroscience research, focused on connecting discoveries across the full spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders using recent breakthroughs in computer science. Path-ND is a critical step in moving the field forward. It embraces the complexity of these diseases and aims to rethink how we define, diagnose, and treat them. By breaking down silos and enabling large-scale comparative research, Path-ND seeks to catalyze the kinds of breakthroughs that have remained out of reach for too long. 'Path-ND is about more than digitizing brain tissue slides—it's about transforming the entire approach to neurodegenerative research,' said Patrick Brannelly, CEO of The 10,000 Brains Project. 'Just as tumor biopsies have revolutionized cancer treatment, we believe digitized brain tissue will enable researchers to take a new approach and crack the code of neurodegenerative disease.' With $3 million in funding from the Kissick Family Foundation, the program will create the world's largest FTD dataset, an area of urgent need due to the disease's highly variable symptoms and complex pathology. Additionally, a new partnership with The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (MJFF) will fund additional digitization of brain tissue from additional patients with Parkinson's disease and related disorders. Leading this initiative is Mukta Phatak, PhD, a highly accomplished bioinformatics expert with more than 15 years of experience integrating technology with scientific research. Dr. Phatak comes to The 10,000 Brains Project from Gates Ventures, where she served in a technical leadership role on the Alzheimer's Disease Data Initiative. Introducing Path-ND: A Next Generation Research Platform For decades, researchers studying neurodegenerative diseases have faced a fundamental challenge: the examination of human brain tissue provides ground truth, but access to high-quality, well-characterized samples has been severely limited. These limitations have slowed progress in understanding the full biological complexity of neurodegenerative conditions. Path-ND offers a powerful solution. By enabling more researchers to examine brain tissue directly, it opens the door to identifying new mechanisms and previously unrecognized disease subtypes. Analyzing this data with artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced data science techniques could fundamentally reshape our understanding of neurodegeneration—revealing that these diseases may be both more biologically diverse and more interconnected than we ever imagined. It enables the possibility of rethinking traditional diagnostic categories and creates opportunities to uncover novel therapeutic targets. Path-ND will be the foundation for this change: a groundbreaking digital brain banking platform that aims to centralize and democratize access to neuropathology data. Built on the secure, cloud-based Verily Workbench, Path-ND will allow talented researchers from across the globe to explore high-resolution digital images of brain tissue without the constraints of geography. Path-ND is designed with interoperability at its core, ensuring that the data will also be made accessible through other biomedical research platforms. This will create a truly connected ecosystem where open data sharing, large-scale analytics, and AI-driven discovery can thrive. By doing so, Path-ND will not only accelerate research but also drive a new era of cross-disease insight, reshaping the future of neurodegenerative disease science. Advancing Research Through Collaboration Through generous funding from the Kissick Family Foundation, Path-ND will expand its datasets to include FTD cases—a disease that remains among the most devastating and least understood. Unlike Alzheimer's, which primarily affects memory, FTD strikes at the core of personality, behavior, and language, robbing individuals of their ability to communicate, connect, and function in daily life. It is the most common cause of dementia in people under 60, yet it remains one of the least understood neurodegenerative disorders, with no cure and limited treatment options. This investment is about expanding hope for FTD patients and families who desperately need answers. 'As advocates and funders, we see an urgent need for creative new approaches in neurodegeneration research,' said Kasey Kissick of the Kissick Family Foundation. 'The Path-ND program is an important step in the transition to a more agile and productive research ecosystem. We are proud to support this effort.' In addition, a new collaboration with The Michael J. Fox Foundation will be a major catalyst for Parkinson's disease and related disorders, integrating its newly generated digital brain inventory into the Path-ND Data Hub. Parkinson's is the fastest-growing neurodegenerative disease, affecting millions worldwide, yet there are still no definitive biomarkers and no way to stop its relentless progression. By incorporating MJFF's digital brain inventory, Path-ND is expanding access to valuable data, enabling more cross-disease comparisons, and capturing significant cost savings through shared infrastructure. 'Finding new ways to provide researchers with the tools they need to accelerate Parkinson's research is a key priority for The Michael J. Fox Foundation,' said Leslie Kirsch, vice president, head of research data resources at MJFF. 'This collaboration with The 10,000 Brains Project expands access to high-resolution brain tissue, supporting the broader scientific community in uncovering insights into Parkinson's disease and related disorders.' Mukta Phatak joins The 10,000 Brains Project to Lead Path-ND The 10,000 Brains Project has appointed Mukta Phatak, PhD, a seasoned leader in data science and bioinformatics, to lead Path-ND. Dr. Phatak is an accomplished expert in biomedical innovation and data science. She earned her PhD in bioinformatics from the University of Cincinnati and has over 15 years of experience in data strategy, AI/ML model development, and scientific technology integration across academia, industry, and the nonprofit sector. Most recently, she served as Director of Data Science for the Alzheimer's Disease Data Initiative, which is part of the Health and Life Sciences Division at Gates Ventures. During her time at Gates Ventures, Dr. Phatak played a pivotal role in designing data architectures, enhancing customer engagement, and leveraging advanced analytics to drive progress in Alzheimer's research. 'Digitizing brain pathology is the next frontier in precision neuroscience,' said Dr. Phatak. 'With Path-ND, we're building an open, scalable, and interoperable resource that will unlock discovery at a whole new level. Path-ND will bring us closer to truly personalized care for patients everywhere.' A Call to Action: Expanding the Future of Digital Brain Research The 10,000 Brains Project invites researchers, institutions, and biobanks to contribute additional neuropathology datasets to expand the scope and impact of Path-ND. By increasing the diversity and scale of digitized brain tissue data, this initiative will unlock insights that no single dataset could reveal alone. Forward-thinking philanthropic partners and investors are also encouraged to join the movement. Expanding Path-ND's reach will allow the project to include more rare diseases, enhance AI capabilities, support more researchers, and accelerate the pace of discovery. If you are a researcher interested in contributing data or a funder looking to make a lasting impact, visit to learn more. About The 10,000 Brains Project The 10,000 Brains Project is a nonprofit initiative that is leading the new era in neuroscience. We are dedicated to driving positive change for the millions of people affected by neurodegenerative diseases worldwide. By working across neurodegenerative diseases and harnessing the full potential of innovative tools and technologies, we aim to accelerate breakthroughs in earlier detection, better treatments, and more personalized care. To learn more about our priorities, programs, and partnerships, visit: About The Kissick Family Foundation The Kissick Family Foundation aims to catalyze change through bold and dynamic philanthropy. They provide critical early support for the leaders, researchers, and entrepreneurs who are finding cures, repairing catastrophic damage to the planet, and changing entire fields of study. The foundation invests in cutting-edge scientific research and awareness building for neurodegenerative diseases, with a focus on frontotemporal dementia. They are equally committed to backing transformative ideas in the climate space, specifically ocean-based solutions with the potential to mitigate and reverse harm to the planet. For more information, visit Media Contact: Chantelle Ferland-Beckham, PhD chantelle@ Consulting, LLC
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The 10,000 Brains Project Launches the "Path-ND" Digital Brain Banking Program to Transform Neurodegenerative Disease Research
Funding from the Kissick Family Foundation Expands Frontotemporal Dementia Data; New Partnership with The Michael J. Fox Foundation Enhances Parkinson's Research OAKLAND, Calif., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 10,000 Brains Project today announced the launch of Path-ND, a groundbreaking digital brain banking program designed to digitize at least 5,000 neuropathology cases over the next two years. This major initiative will make ultra high-resolution brain tissue images more widely accessible for neurodegenerative disease research and on an unprecedented scale, enabling researchers to unlock critical insights into diseases like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Unlike traditional approaches that study these disorders in isolation, The 10,000 Brains Project is leading the new era in neuroscience research, focused on connecting discoveries across the full spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders using recent breakthroughs in computer science. Path-ND is a critical step in moving the field forward. It embraces the complexity of these diseases and aims to rethink how we define, diagnose, and treat them. By breaking down silos and enabling large-scale comparative research, Path-ND seeks to catalyze the kinds of breakthroughs that have remained out of reach for too long. "Path-ND is about more than digitizing brain tissue slides—it's about transforming the entire approach to neurodegenerative research," said Patrick Brannelly, CEO of The 10,000 Brains Project. "Just as tumor biopsies have revolutionized cancer treatment, we believe digitized brain tissue will enable researchers to take a new approach and crack the code of neurodegenerative disease." With $3 million in funding from the Kissick Family Foundation, the program will create the world's largest FTD dataset, an area of urgent need due to the disease's highly variable symptoms and complex pathology. Additionally, a new partnership with The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (MJFF) will fund additional digitization of brain tissue from additional patients with Parkinson's disease and related disorders. Leading this initiative is Mukta Phatak, PhD, a highly accomplished bioinformatics expert with more than 15 years of experience integrating technology with scientific research. Dr. Phatak comes to The 10,000 Brains Project from Gates Ventures, where she served in a technical leadership role on the Alzheimer's Disease Data Initiative. Introducing Path-ND: A Next Generation Research Platform For decades, researchers studying neurodegenerative diseases have faced a fundamental challenge: the examination of human brain tissue provides ground truth, but access to high-quality, well-characterized samples has been severely limited. These limitations have slowed progress in understanding the full biological complexity of neurodegenerative conditions. Path-ND offers a powerful solution. By enabling more researchers to examine brain tissue directly, it opens the door to identifying new mechanisms and previously unrecognized disease subtypes. Analyzing this data with artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced data science techniques could fundamentally reshape our understanding of neurodegeneration—revealing that these diseases may be both more biologically diverse and more interconnected than we ever imagined. It enables the possibility of rethinking traditional diagnostic categories and creates opportunities to uncover novel therapeutic targets. Path-ND will be the foundation for this change: a groundbreaking digital brain banking platform that aims to centralize and democratize access to neuropathology data. Built on the secure, cloud-based Verily Workbench, Path-ND will allow talented researchers from across the globe to explore high-resolution digital images of brain tissue without the constraints of geography. Path-ND is designed with interoperability at its core, ensuring that the data will also be made accessible through other biomedical research platforms. This will create a truly connected ecosystem where open data sharing, large-scale analytics, and AI-driven discovery can thrive. By doing so, Path-ND will not only accelerate research but also drive a new era of cross-disease insight, reshaping the future of neurodegenerative disease science. Advancing Research Through Collaboration Through generous funding from the Kissick Family Foundation, Path-ND will expand its datasets to include FTD cases—a disease that remains among the most devastating and least understood. Unlike Alzheimer's, which primarily affects memory, FTD strikes at the core of personality, behavior, and language, robbing individuals of their ability to communicate, connect, and function in daily life. It is the most common cause of dementia in people under 60, yet it remains one of the least understood neurodegenerative disorders, with no cure and limited treatment options. This investment is about expanding hope for FTD patients and families who desperately need answers. "As advocates and funders, we see an urgent need for creative new approaches in neurodegeneration research," said Kasey Kissick of the Kissick Family Foundation. "The Path-ND program is an important step in the transition to a more agile and productive research ecosystem. We are proud to support this effort." In addition, a new collaboration with The Michael J. Fox Foundation will be a major catalyst for Parkinson's disease and related disorders, integrating its newly generated digital brain inventory into the Path-ND Data Hub. Parkinson's is the fastest-growing neurodegenerative disease, affecting millions worldwide, yet there are still no definitive biomarkers and no way to stop its relentless progression. By incorporating MJFF's digital brain inventory, Path-ND is expanding access to valuable data, enabling more cross-disease comparisons, and capturing significant cost savings through shared infrastructure. "Finding new ways to provide researchers with the tools they need to accelerate Parkinson's research is a key priority for The Michael J. Fox Foundation," said Leslie Kirsch, vice president, head of research data resources at MJFF. "This collaboration with The 10,000 Brains Project expands access to high-resolution brain tissue, supporting the broader scientific community in uncovering insights into Parkinson's disease and related disorders." Mukta Phatak joins The 10,000 Brains Project to Lead Path-ND The 10,000 Brains Project has appointed Mukta Phatak, PhD, a seasoned leader in data science and bioinformatics, to lead Path-ND. Dr. Phatak is an accomplished expert in biomedical innovation and data science. She earned her PhD in bioinformatics from the University of Cincinnati and has over 15 years of experience in data strategy, AI/ML model development, and scientific technology integration across academia, industry, and the nonprofit sector. Most recently, she served as Director of Data Science for the Alzheimer's Disease Data Initiative, which is part of the Health and Life Sciences Division at Gates Ventures. During her time at Gates Ventures, Dr. Phatak played a pivotal role in designing data architectures, enhancing customer engagement, and leveraging advanced analytics to drive progress in Alzheimer's research. "Digitizing brain pathology is the next frontier in precision neuroscience," said Dr. Phatak. "With Path-ND, we're building an open, scalable, and interoperable resource that will unlock discovery at a whole new level. Path-ND will bring us closer to truly personalized care for patients everywhere." A Call to Action: Expanding the Future of Digital Brain Research The 10,000 Brains Project invites researchers, institutions, and biobanks to contribute additional neuropathology datasets to expand the scope and impact of Path-ND. By increasing the diversity and scale of digitized brain tissue data, this initiative will unlock insights that no single dataset could reveal alone. Forward-thinking philanthropic partners and investors are also encouraged to join the movement. Expanding Path-ND's reach will allow the project to include more rare diseases, enhance AI capabilities, support more researchers, and accelerate the pace of discovery. If you are a researcher interested in contributing data or a funder looking to make a lasting impact, visit to learn more. About The 10,000 Brains Project The 10,000 Brains Project is a nonprofit initiative that is leading the new era in neuroscience. We are dedicated to driving positive change for the millions of people affected by neurodegenerative diseases worldwide. By working across neurodegenerative diseases and harnessing the full potential of innovative tools and technologies, we aim to accelerate breakthroughs in earlier detection, better treatments, and more personalized care. To learn more about our priorities, programs, and partnerships, visit: About The Kissick Family Foundation The Kissick Family Foundation aims to catalyze change through bold and dynamic philanthropy. They provide critical early support for the leaders, researchers, and entrepreneurs who are finding cures, repairing catastrophic damage to the planet, and changing entire fields of study. The foundation invests in cutting-edge scientific research and awareness building for neurodegenerative diseases, with a focus on frontotemporal dementia. They are equally committed to backing transformative ideas in the climate space, specifically ocean-based solutions with the potential to mitigate and reverse harm to the planet. For more information, visit Media Contact: Chantelle Ferland-Beckham, PhD chantelle@ Consulting, LLC View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE The 10,000 Brains Project Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The 10,000 Brains Project Launches the "Path-ND" Digital Brain Banking Program to Transform Neurodegenerative Disease Research
Funding from the Kissick Family Foundation Expands Frontotemporal Dementia Data; New Partnership with The Michael J. Fox Foundation Enhances Parkinson's Research OAKLAND, Calif., May 20, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 10,000 Brains Project today announced the launch of Path-ND, a groundbreaking digital brain banking program designed to digitize at least 5,000 neuropathology cases over the next two years. This major initiative will make ultra high-resolution brain tissue images more widely accessible for neurodegenerative disease research and on an unprecedented scale, enabling researchers to unlock critical insights into diseases like Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, frontotemporal dementia (FTD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Unlike traditional approaches that study these disorders in isolation, The 10,000 Brains Project is leading the new era in neuroscience research, focused on connecting discoveries across the full spectrum of neurodegenerative disorders using recent breakthroughs in computer science. Path-ND is a critical step in moving the field forward. It embraces the complexity of these diseases and aims to rethink how we define, diagnose, and treat them. By breaking down silos and enabling large-scale comparative research, Path-ND seeks to catalyze the kinds of breakthroughs that have remained out of reach for too long. "Path-ND is about more than digitizing brain tissue slides—it's about transforming the entire approach to neurodegenerative research," said Patrick Brannelly, CEO of The 10,000 Brains Project. "Just as tumor biopsies have revolutionized cancer treatment, we believe digitized brain tissue will enable researchers to take a new approach and crack the code of neurodegenerative disease." With $3 million in funding from the Kissick Family Foundation, the program will create the world's largest FTD dataset, an area of urgent need due to the disease's highly variable symptoms and complex pathology. Additionally, a new partnership with The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (MJFF) will fund additional digitization of brain tissue from additional patients with Parkinson's disease and related disorders. Leading this initiative is Mukta Phatak, PhD, a highly accomplished bioinformatics expert with more than 15 years of experience integrating technology with scientific research. Dr. Phatak comes to The 10,000 Brains Project from Gates Ventures, where she served in a technical leadership role on the Alzheimer's Disease Data Initiative. Introducing Path-ND: A Next Generation Research Platform For decades, researchers studying neurodegenerative diseases have faced a fundamental challenge: the examination of human brain tissue provides ground truth, but access to high-quality, well-characterized samples has been severely limited. These limitations have slowed progress in understanding the full biological complexity of neurodegenerative conditions. Path-ND offers a powerful solution. By enabling more researchers to examine brain tissue directly, it opens the door to identifying new mechanisms and previously unrecognized disease subtypes. Analyzing this data with artificial intelligence (AI) and other advanced data science techniques could fundamentally reshape our understanding of neurodegeneration—revealing that these diseases may be both more biologically diverse and more interconnected than we ever imagined. It enables the possibility of rethinking traditional diagnostic categories and creates opportunities to uncover novel therapeutic targets. Path-ND will be the foundation for this change: a groundbreaking digital brain banking platform that aims to centralize and democratize access to neuropathology data. Built on the secure, cloud-based Verily Workbench, Path-ND will allow talented researchers from across the globe to explore high-resolution digital images of brain tissue without the constraints of geography. Path-ND is designed with interoperability at its core, ensuring that the data will also be made accessible through other biomedical research platforms. This will create a truly connected ecosystem where open data sharing, large-scale analytics, and AI-driven discovery can thrive. By doing so, Path-ND will not only accelerate research but also drive a new era of cross-disease insight, reshaping the future of neurodegenerative disease science. Advancing Research Through Collaboration Through generous funding from the Kissick Family Foundation, Path-ND will expand its datasets to include FTD cases—a disease that remains among the most devastating and least understood. Unlike Alzheimer's, which primarily affects memory, FTD strikes at the core of personality, behavior, and language, robbing individuals of their ability to communicate, connect, and function in daily life. It is the most common cause of dementia in people under 60, yet it remains one of the least understood neurodegenerative disorders, with no cure and limited treatment options. This investment is about expanding hope for FTD patients and families who desperately need answers. "As advocates and funders, we see an urgent need for creative new approaches in neurodegeneration research," said Kasey Kissick of the Kissick Family Foundation. "The Path-ND program is an important step in the transition to a more agile and productive research ecosystem. We are proud to support this effort." In addition, a new collaboration with The Michael J. Fox Foundation will be a major catalyst for Parkinson's disease and related disorders, integrating its newly generated digital brain inventory into the Path-ND Data Hub. Parkinson's is the fastest-growing neurodegenerative disease, affecting millions worldwide, yet there are still no definitive biomarkers and no way to stop its relentless progression. By incorporating MJFF's digital brain inventory, Path-ND is expanding access to valuable data, enabling more cross-disease comparisons, and capturing significant cost savings through shared infrastructure. "Finding new ways to provide researchers with the tools they need to accelerate Parkinson's research is a key priority for The Michael J. Fox Foundation," said Leslie Kirsch, vice president, head of research data resources at MJFF. "This collaboration with The 10,000 Brains Project expands access to high-resolution brain tissue, supporting the broader scientific community in uncovering insights into Parkinson's disease and related disorders." Mukta Phatak joins The 10,000 Brains Project to Lead Path-ND The 10,000 Brains Project has appointed Mukta Phatak, PhD, a seasoned leader in data science and bioinformatics, to lead Path-ND. Dr. Phatak is an accomplished expert in biomedical innovation and data science. She earned her PhD in bioinformatics from the University of Cincinnati and has over 15 years of experience in data strategy, AI/ML model development, and scientific technology integration across academia, industry, and the nonprofit sector. Most recently, she served as Director of Data Science for the Alzheimer's Disease Data Initiative, which is part of the Health and Life Sciences Division at Gates Ventures. During her time at Gates Ventures, Dr. Phatak played a pivotal role in designing data architectures, enhancing customer engagement, and leveraging advanced analytics to drive progress in Alzheimer's research. "Digitizing brain pathology is the next frontier in precision neuroscience," said Dr. Phatak. "With Path-ND, we're building an open, scalable, and interoperable resource that will unlock discovery at a whole new level. Path-ND will bring us closer to truly personalized care for patients everywhere." A Call to Action: Expanding the Future of Digital Brain Research The 10,000 Brains Project invites researchers, institutions, and biobanks to contribute additional neuropathology datasets to expand the scope and impact of Path-ND. By increasing the diversity and scale of digitized brain tissue data, this initiative will unlock insights that no single dataset could reveal alone. Forward-thinking philanthropic partners and investors are also encouraged to join the movement. Expanding Path-ND's reach will allow the project to include more rare diseases, enhance AI capabilities, support more researchers, and accelerate the pace of discovery. If you are a researcher interested in contributing data or a funder looking to make a lasting impact, visit to learn more. About The 10,000 Brains Project The 10,000 Brains Project is a nonprofit initiative that is leading the new era in neuroscience. We are dedicated to driving positive change for the millions of people affected by neurodegenerative diseases worldwide. By working across neurodegenerative diseases and harnessing the full potential of innovative tools and technologies, we aim to accelerate breakthroughs in earlier detection, better treatments, and more personalized care. To learn more about our priorities, programs, and partnerships, visit: About The Kissick Family Foundation The Kissick Family Foundation aims to catalyze change through bold and dynamic philanthropy. They provide critical early support for the leaders, researchers, and entrepreneurs who are finding cures, repairing catastrophic damage to the planet, and changing entire fields of study. The foundation invests in cutting-edge scientific research and awareness building for neurodegenerative diseases, with a focus on frontotemporal dementia. They are equally committed to backing transformative ideas in the climate space, specifically ocean-based solutions with the potential to mitigate and reverse harm to the planet. For more information, visit Media Contact: Chantelle Ferland-Beckham, PhD chantelle@ Consulting, LLC View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE The 10,000 Brains Project Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Producer Jenifer Westphal Announces Parkinson's Diagnosis, $1M Donation to Michael J. Fox Foundation
Jenifer Westphal, founder and CEO of production studio Wavelength, has been diagnosed with Parkinson's, and is using the moment to support research into the disease. The producer — who has been behind projects including 2018's Won't You Be My Neighbor? and the upcoming On Swift Horses, as well as Broadway hits like The Outsiders and Burlesque — received her diagnosis on Aug. 15, 2024 and is going public now, while also donating $1 million to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. More from The Hollywood Reporter Christie Brinkley Honored at Aspen's Snow Ball Gala, Raising $3.5M for Pediatric Cancer Research Jewel to Perform at Sean Penn's CORE Fundraiser at Art Basel Miami Beach: Org's Mission "Is a Vital Part of Building Strong Communities" (Exclusive) Architect of Lil Jon's Viral DNC Cameo To Help Celebs Boost Social and Political Impact The gift, announced during Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month, will support research that advances more precise and personalized treatments, including efforts to develop a simple diagnostic test for early detection. Westphal, whose career has been focused on supporting underrepresented storytellers, is also drawing attention to the impact Parkinson's has on women — approximately 40 percent of people living with the disease are women and their experiences are typically quite different from men. 'Women are often overlooked when it comes to being diagnosed, and in their own awareness of the risks and symptoms of the disease,' Westphal said in a statement. 'By partnering with the Michael J. Fox Foundation, which does incredible work driving resources and awareness to Parkinson's, we can hopefully reach more people and bring us closer to the ultimate goal of finding a cure.' Westphal has long been involved in the philanthropic space, with her family's foundation investing millions in education initiatives; she has also been a supporter of organizations that empower neurodiverse people, as well as of community impact projects, land conservation efforts and mental health advocacy. And the Michael J. Fox Foundation, now in its 25th year, is a leader in Parkinson's research, funding over $2 billion in studies and accelerating 19 new treatments to market. 'Thanks to the generosity of our supporters like Jenifer, the Michael J. Fox Foundation is closer than ever to improved treatments and a cure for the millions of people and families living with Parkinson's,' said Lisa Boudreau, MJFF chief development officer. 'With Jenifer's tremendous gift, remarkable storytelling and shared vision for what's possible when we work together, we're seizing on today's Parkinson's research momentum and pipeline with urgency and optimism.' Best of The Hollywood Reporter From 'Lady in the Lake' to 'It Ends With Us': 29 New and Upcoming Book Adaptations in 2024 Meet the Superstars Who Glam Up Hollywood's A-List Rosie O'Donnell on Ellen, Madonna, Trump and 40 Years in the Queer Spotlight
Fox News
19-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Michael J. Fox supported by country stars Sheryl Crow, Kelsea Ballerini at Nashville gala: PHOTOS
Kelsea Ballerini posed alongside her boyfriend, Chase Stokes, and actor Michael J. Fox on the red carpet at the fundraising event, "A Country Thing Happened on the Way to Cure Parkinson's" in Nashville, Tennessee, on Wednesday. The country star turned heads in a strapless black gown with a keyhole cutout on her chest and torso, which showed off her toned abs. The neckline was accented with a black bow. She paired the look with minimal accessories, opting only for a few rings on each hand, a black clutch purse and black high-heel shoes, which featured the same bow detailing on the front as on the neckline of the dress. Ballerini and Stokes stood on either side of Fox while posing for the photo. The star sported a red button-up shirt under a brown jacket, which he paired with black jeans and brown loafers. Stokes and Ballerini also posed for solo photos, with Stokes opting for a blue button-up shirt under a black suit jacket, which he paired with dress pants and brown loafers. The pair were seen enjoying their night out together once inside the event, where they also posed for photos. Sheryl Crow supported her friend, Fox, at the fundraising event, which was hosted by his foundation, The Michael J. Fox Foundation. The singer-songwriter walked the carpet in an all-black look, including a leather vest, a studded jacket and leather pants, which she paired with a statement necklace. "What a beautiful night filled with inspiration and loving hearts! It was an honor to attend A Country Thing Happened on the Way to Cure Parkinson's in Nashville to celebrate @realmikejfox and the Foundation's progress in its mission to end Parkinson's," Crow wrote in her Instagram post featuring photos from the event. She then encouraged her followers to learn more about how they can help find a cure by directing them to the foundation's website, crediting the "Back to the Future" actor for raising awareness and getting them "closer than ever to finding a cure." Chris Stapleton was also present at the fundraising event, posing with Fox in an all-black look, including a dress shirt, suit jacket and dress pants, pairing it with his signature cowboy hat. Later in the evening, Fox took to the stage to introduce Stapleton as one of the performers. Stapleton's set included many of his most popular hits, including "Tennessee Whiskey" and "Broken Halo," and he ended his time on stage by welcoming the band Little Big Town to join him and sing their rendition of the song, "Johnny B. Goode." Following the event, Fox took to Instagram to thank everyone involved in making the night special, including Stapleton, and helping to raise money to help find a cure for the degenerative disease. "One hell of a night in Nashville. Huge thanks to legends @chrisstapleton , @littlebigtown , @dustyslay and my man @williegeist for making A Country Thing Happened on the Way to Cure Parkinson's one for the books," he wrote in his caption. "Every year, this night reminds me just how much heart this community has. Grateful and hopeful as ever. See you next year. #ACountryThing." Members of the country music group Little Big Town showed off their individual personal style when they walked the red carpet at the fundraising event. Jimi Westbrook wore a white jacket and black dress shirt, while Phillip Sweet wore a black patterned suit jacket with black dress pants. The women also showed off their personal style, with Karen Fairchild opting for an orange minidress under a gray suit jacket and fishnet stockings, and Kimberly Schlapman choosing a black minidress with fuzzy fringe on the bottom. Not only did the band kick off the evening with a performance of their biggest hits, one of its members, Schlapman, also took to the stage to share how Parkinson's has affected her in her personal life. She has previously shared on her Instagram account that her mother was diagnosed with the disease, calling it "incredibly complex and devastatingly debilitating." She and her husband, Steve Schlapman, also acted as co-chairs of the event.
