Yesterday I had the opportunity to photograph the 4th Annual Pin's for Parkinson's event at Kings Bowling, Boston. The event, organized by the Team Fox Young Professionals of Boston, was put on to fundraise for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. Parkinson's Disease is a chronic and degenerative disorder of the central nervous system that mainly affects the motor system - basically meaning that brain cells become more damaged over time, making it harder to move and live like a normal/healthy person. Besides debilitating a person, Parkinson's can really take hold of the lives of the affected person's loved ones. While I did learn more about what Parkinson's is by attending and photographing this fundraiser, it really wasn't about the disease itself. It was about having fun, being with friends and family, and celebrating togetherness.
With twelve bowling teams, food, music, and a raffle, the event was a great success. Beyond learning more about the disease, I also learned that just because you have the disease in your life doesn't mean the disease IS your life. First, I could hardly tell who had Parkinson's Disease and who didn't. Everyone blended together so harmoniously, everyone participating in bowling in some form or another while enjoying the festive mood. Secondly, everyone who was there, families and friends alike, were there because of Parkinson's Disease, and yet they were enjoying themselves fully in spite of it. The fundraiser was like a big, beautiful F*** YOU to the disease - like, Hey, Parkinson's! Even though we're stuck with you, we are going to have a blast AND raise money to help defeat you!
I hope my images captured that mood. See below for some shots (click to expand) from the afternoon, and if you feel so inclined, donate to the Michael J. Fox Foundation to help find a cure.
