Duyen Spigelman, director of community fundraising at MJFF, presenting the Rookie of the Year Awards at the 2026 MVP Celebration.
Sometimes, the most extraordinary impact comes from people just getting started.
At the 2026 MVP Celebration, which recognizes fundraisers who have raised $10,000 or more for Parkinson’s research, The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) honored two remarkable fundraisers with the Rookie of the Year awards — recognizing an individual and a team who achieved standout success in their first year fundraising for MJFF.
This year’s honorees did more than exceed expectations — they mobilized entire communities around the mission to accelerate breakthroughs for Parkinson’s disease. From turning a new Parkinson’s diagnosis into purpose-driven action to transforming a small fundraising idea into a six-figure community event, these fundraisers demonstrated the extraordinary power of showing up and making a difference.
Individual Rookie of the Year
For Stacey Empson, Parkinson’s disease has long been part of her story.
Her grandfather lived with Parkinson’s for a decade before passing away in 2000. Then, in October 2024, at age 55, Stacey received her own diagnosis. Instead of stepping back, she stepped forward — determined to take action and find strength in community.
“When I first heard the words, ‘you have Parkinson’s disease,’ I was stunned — not just by the diagnosis, but by how it challenged my own perceptions,” said Stacey. “Parkinson’s wasn’t just for ‘older men,’ as I’d imagined from watching my beloved grandfather’s experience. Suddenly, I was on this new path, searching for community and understanding, especially among women who shared my journey.”
That search for connection quickly turned into purpose.
At the 2025 Chicago Run/Walk, Stacey rallied family and friends to create Team Track, named after her grandfather’s nickname for her. Together, they raised an incredible $38,000, with Stacey personally raising more than $25,000 of that total. Her efforts earned her the title of Top Individual Fundraiser at the event, while Team Track also took home Top Team honors.
More than the numbers, Stacey’s story is one of resilience and hope. She transformed a life-changing diagnosis into meaningful action and built a powerful community along the way.
“My Rookie of the Year award was such a surprise, and just icing on an already delicious cake,” said Stacey. “I met so many inspiring people, took away many new ideas and feel even more excited about supporting MJFF — which I didn’t assume was possible! You all truly know how to build and maintain a community, and you make us all feel so seen and appreciated.”
Team Rookie of the Year
What began as a simple idea for a closet sale with cocktails quickly transformed into something much bigger.
In just six weeks, the Sullivan and McCafferty families turned their vision into Dancing in the Moonlight — a full-scale backyard celebration on Cape Cod attended by 200 friends and supporters.
Held on a beautiful summer evening overlooking the bay, the event featured live music, clam chowder, custom portraits and unforgettable performances, all set against the backdrop of a stunning sunset.
The fundraiser was created in honor of Lynne Sullivan who lives with Parkinson’s disease. And for their very first Team Fox Do-It-Yourself fundraiser, the Sullivan and McCafferty families set an ambitious goal of raising $40,000. By the end of the event, they had surpassed that milestone in a major way — raising more than $200,000 to support MJFF.
“We were blown away by all the support and generosity,” said Amanda Sullivan. “We feel completely humbled. To give back in this impactful way, in honor of Lynne, is so meaningful.”
The success of Dancing in the Moonlight reflects the extraordinary impact that can happen when family, community and purpose come together in support of a shared cause.