Miya Petrovic - Marketing Director
Donna Rajkovic
Published on
March 24, 2025
Finding a solution seemed essential—something more we could do to combat a disease that arrived unexpectedly, leaving many in our circle with little knowledge. At that time, my Aunt Donna had just been diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's, prompting us all to learn everything we could about Parkinson's disease and how we could contribute to the fight against it.
Our journey took a significant turn when we discovered The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. Attending our first gala was an eye-opening experience. Amid the lively performances from musicians, comedians, and the presence of celebrities and philanthropists (which, as a millennial, I couldn’t resist capturing on camera), there was a serious and vital mission at heart: to eliminate the need for galas by finding a cure for this disease.
Inspiration and hope filled the air as we left the gala, along with a determination to take action in our small community in Detroit. It all began at a cozy table at Selden Standard nearly a decade ago, where four passionate individuals came together with a commitment to make a difference. This led to the establishment of Team Fox in the D or Team Fox Detroit.
Fast forward ten years, and we have raised over $1.5 million and grown to more than 30 dedicated members. We have much to be proud of, and our journey continues as we strive to create positive change in the fight against Parkinson's disease.
But our mission isn’t over yet. Although significant progress has been made, like the discovery of a biomarker, the cure for Parkinson's disease still eludes us, which means our mission remains vital. We are dedicated to raising funds for research, and the best part is that 100% of every dollar raised goes directly to research initiatives.
Over the years, our annual events have gained notoriety, recognized as the “best golf outing” and “best gala.” Through these gatherings, our small community in Detroit has made a substantial impact on Parkinson's research.
We are more committed than ever to finding a cure, and together, we will continue to push forward in this important fight. We are stronger together!