Miles For Mike

MILES FOR MIKE

Hi, I’m Ellie. I signed up for the Buffalo Marathon on May 25th, and I’m running every mile in honor of my dad, Mike.

My dad has always been the kind of person who shows up for others — as a husband, a father, a friend, and now, as a “patient-researcher” and advocate in the Parkinson’s community. He was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2020 at the age of 49. Since then, he’s done everything he can to stay informed, involved, and empowered for not just himself, but the whole Parkinson’s’ community. He’s volunteered in clinical trials, reviewed grant proposals, collaborated with researchers, and advocated on Capitol Hill. He’s shown me what it really means to fight for your health, and how to fight for others’, too. He’s taught me, through his own resilience, how to appreciate everything my body can do.

He’s shown me how to push through discomfort. How to get better, especially when things feel impossible. How to not give up. “Don’t. Stop. Running”. That’s what inspired me to run 26.2 miles. Every step reminded me of the strength it takes for him, and for so many others with Parkinson’s, to simply move through the day. 

But we’re not just honoring his journey. Me and my dad are building something together that could change it.

Brain Storm Studios is a passionate initiative exploring how immersive technology might support people living with neurological conditions like Parkinson’s. We’re currently developing a prototype app for the Apple Vision Pro, combining visual, audio, and fingertip-based interaction to help engage the brain in meaningful new ways. We’re still in the early stages, but we have proof of concept, and full-heartedly believe in it’s potential. 

We are pouring everything we have into the successful development of Brain Storm, but we need your help in funding for the next phase: prototyping, technical development, and gathering feedback from people in the Parkinson’s community. Every dollar we raise will go directly toward bringing this vision to life. 

If you believe in innovation, in honoring the people who inspire us, and in taking action, especially when the path is hard, I’d be so grateful for your support. 

Please share, donate, and help us bring Brain Storm to life:)

 With love and determination, Ellie