Parkinson Platform Noord Nederland

Following Black Friday and Cyber Monday, Giving Tuesday is an international day dedicated to giving back to your favorite causes. This year, it falls on December 1. The Michael J. Fox Foundation has participated for several years, and it's always inspiring to see the outpouring from the Parkinson's community and beyond.

Getting involved in Giving Tuesday this year is simple:

1. Make a donation and help speed a cure for Parkinson's disease. Your gift will be matched dollar-for-dollar.
2. Spread the word about your gift on social media and encourage others to get involved. Share an #unselfie, a photo that represents why you're getting involved this year. Or check out our album of giving badges to let your friends and family know that you made a difference today.

There are many reasons to support The Michael J. Fox Foundation and Parkinson's research this Giving Tuesday. If you're encouraging friends and family to also make a donation in support of Parkinson's research on Giving Tuesday, here are a few powerful reasons to share:

89 cents of every dollar goes straight to research programs. Efficiency is and always has been one of the Foundation's core values.

A future without Parkinson's disease is closer than ever. Four companies are now in human testing of therapies against alpha-synuclein, the most important Parkinson's drug target. Researchers believe that preventing or clearing out clumps of this protein could stop or slow Parkinson's disease progression.

You'll be investing in the most promising research in the field. Since inception, the Foundation has invested in promising science that needed the right support to move forward. That approach has paid off. Of the treatments currently in trials against alpha-synuclein, the Foundation funded two in the early phases of their research, and continues work with all four.

We're also closer to better treatments for the most challenging Parkinson's disease symptoms. Earlier in 2015, two new formulations of levodopa received FDA approval: Duopa and Rytary. Both aim to reduce the amount of time a person with Parkinson's experiences "off" time, periods of slowness, poor mobility and stiffness. A new deep brain stimulation device also passed FDA muster.

More than five million people with Parkinson's disease need better treatments and, ultimately, a cure. Advancing age is the most significant risk factor for Parkinson's disease. As the population ages, experts unfortunately predict that diagnoses will increase.

Help The Michael J. Fox Foundation speed a cure and go out of buisness. Donate for Giving Tuesday.