The fourth annual “Taking Parkinson’s to the Mat” benefit event, held at Bacchus Landing last Saturday, proved successful. Wonder Bread 5 played while people danced, gathered, ate paella and wood-fired pizza and smashburgers, sipped wine, and yes, attended a mass participation yoga class. The joie de vivre was palpable. In September, Shelley Gilbert will “do it again” when Team Fox participates in the 2026 Tour de Fox Wine Country bicycle ride for Parkinson’s research.
Oh, and the slogan? “Taking Parkinson’s to the Mat” was Shelley’s signature messaging on signs and billboards around Dartmouth, New Hampshire, when she owned and operated a successful real estate business before “retiring” to Healdsburg.
Unfortunately, just a few years after retiring, Gilbert was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. And so, not retiring, she drew upon her outrageous courage and cheer to make a difference. A difference not just in her life, but in others’ as well. What began as a yoga practice for personal health developed into coordinated, multi-event fundraising efforts for Parkinson’s research. This weekend’s yoga event at Bacchus Landing will be followed by a September bike ride and after-ride festival. Those who haven’t been on a bike recently might consider “virtual riding,” or just showing up for the festive atmosphere and to help others.
FUN FACTS: The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research has honored Shelley Gilbert twice for outstanding contributions to research. Her weekly 100% donation-based “Bubble of Love” yoga classes, the annual Taking Parkinson’s to the Mat events and the annual Team Fox Ride for Research at Coppola Winery are all part of the effort. These initiatives are supported by many friends and helpers, especially those at Fox Flow, Inc., a charity founded to support these efforts. Shelley says “my best friend” about many friends; which is in many ways, a true statement. Shelley and Team Fox Flow make a difference.
The Michael J. Fox Foundation raised over $2 BILLION since its inception. Parkinson’s is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder. Its manifestations are highly individualistic; both diagnosis and cures remain elusive. However, research speeds understanding on multiple fronts. Stem-cell replacement with BlueRock Therapeutics is in promising Phase III trials with low adverse effects 36 months out; deep brain-stem stimulation with pacemaker-like devices is delivering results in minimizing neural and motor effects.
The Michael J. Fox Foundation Tour de Fox takes place Saturday, Sept. 19, at Francis Ford Coppola Winery in Geyserville. Sign-ups available at tinyurl.com/4zx2ezha.
