RunnerBox Encourages Parkinson’s Foundation’s Endurance Champions
The gift subscription service RunnerBox joined with the Parkinson’s Foundation to provide boxes filled with customized items for those running as Parkinson’s Champions, the foundation’s endurance, do-it-yourself fundraising program.
Parkinson’s Champions gives people nationwide an opportunity to raise funds to support those living with Parkinson’s disease while heightening awareness of the progressive neurodegenerative disorder.
To date, participants have hosted more than 150 annual fundraisers in communities across the nation, running a total of 15,000 miles and raising $12 million.
RunnerBox, which offers specially curated subscription “boxes” for runners and cyclists, will create customized boxes filled with handpicked foods and tools to help Parkinson’s Champions as they train for endurance races such as the New York City Marathon. Parkinson’s Champions will also receive exclusive deals on RunnerBox subscriptions.
The free boxes, meant to welcome participants to the Champions program, will also include singlets — sleeveless upper body garments — and other items specifically crafted for race events. These products are tested and approved by a RunnerBox team of professional athletes and nutrition experts.
“We could not be more thrilled to partner with the Parkinson’s Foundation to provide a burst of motivation in the mail to these amazing Parkinson’s Champions who are doing their part to help make life better for people with Parkinson’s,” Courteney Lowe, the company’s chief operating officer, said in a press release.
A Parkinson’s Champion can be anyone wishing to help in the fight against Parkinson’s on behalf of themselves, a family member, a friend, or the disease community. Raising funds and awareness helps lead to better patient care and advances research toward a cure.
A foundation blogpost spotted “Jim,” a lifelong athlete who uses fitness and exercise to manage his Parkinson’s and who recently completed the Philadelphia Half Marathon to raise $2,100.
Not all Parkinson’s Champions need to be runners. Participants can choose other activities, like kayaking, biking and walking, or they can host a livestream fundraiser or simply make a donation.
Those interested in running or other ways of taking part can do so here.
“Every year, Parkinson’s Champions take the lead in planning their own events or participate in endurance races in support of the foundation’s mission,” said Francesca Villa, director of fundraising events for the Parkinson’s Foundation. “Through this partnership, we are pleased to support participants’  journey by providing increased access to endurance nutrition and gear.”
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