Abbott Sponsors Runners with Parkinson’s Disease at Boston Marathon

Fundraiser Spotlights Parkinson’s Awareness Month on Global Running Stage 

NEW YORK & MIAMI (April 14, 2025) – People living with Parkinson’s Disease (PD) and caregivers of those with the condition will run the 2025 Boston Marathon on April 21 on behalf of the Parkinson’s Foundation with bibs provided by the healthcare company, Abbott, an official Boston Marathon sponsor and title sponsor of the Abbott World Marathon Majors, seven of the largest and most prestigious marathons in the world. 

Four runners will participate as part of Team Abbott, a broad community of individuals who are motivated to get healthier through running, many of whom have overcome their own health challenges and are here today to inspire others to live their healthiest life. 

With nearly one million people affected in the U.S. and 10 million people worldwide, PD is the second most common neurodegenerative disease after Alzheimer’s. Every April, the Parkinson’s community gathers to raise awareness about symptoms, available treatments and the need for pivotal research.  

In addition, Abbott has a broader partnership with the Parkinson’s Foundation which includes support for national, regional and local events, educational webinars, advocacy initiatives and community grants.  

“The focus of the Parkinson’s Foundation on mobility and wellness and their emphasis on real-world support aligns with Abbott’s mission to help people live healthier lives,” said Pedro Malha, vice president, neuromodulation, Abbott. “We are happy to partner with The Parkinson’s Foundation and continue our work of advancing treatments for people living with movement disorders.” 

In honor of Parkinson’s Awareness Month, four Parkinson’s Champions will raise critical funds toward a cure for PD and share their stories in managing the disease.  

“It took four years of experiencing mislabeled leg pain before my PD diagnosis in 2015 at 39,” said Patrick Exley, a passionate runner on Team Abbott and Parkinson’s Champion raising funds on behalf of the Foundation. “Since then, I’ve immersed myself in learning about the disease, available therapies, volunteering and connecting with others who’ve shared my journey. Though PD is now an integral part of my life, I refuse to let it define me.” 

Also running on behalf of the Parkinson’s Foundation, is Joe Barrett, who was also diagnosed with young-onset PD at the age of 39 and is grateful for the opportunity to continue utilizing his passion for running in managing his symptoms. Andrew Fauteux and Jack Ryan make up the other half of Team Abbott, joining the race in honor of their fathers, both diagnosed with PD in the last decade. 

“We are grateful for Abbott’s generous support in helping members of the Parkinson’s community cross the finish line at one of the largest races in the world,” said John Lehr, President & CEO of the Parkinson’s Foundation. “Entry into the Boston Marathon is not only an exciting milestone for the Parkinson’s Champions program, but also for the inspiring runners who are bringing us one step – or mile – closer to a future without Parkinson’s.” 

Parkinson’s Champions participate in the Parkinson’s Foundation's community fundraising and endurance programs to raise funds and awareness for PD. Together, Parkinson’s Champions have hosted more than 300 annual community fundraisers across the country, run more than 50,000 miles and raised nearly $18 million to fund cutting-edge research and help make lives better for people living with PD. 

In addition to the Boston Marathon, the Parkinson’s Foundation’s Race Program will participate in Big Sur Marathon Weekend, Eugene Marathon Weekend and Denver Colfax Marathon Weekend this spring. Thirteen additional races are planned for Parkinson’s Champions entry availability this year.   

For more information on how to participate in a Parkinson’s Foundation endurance program, or to see a full list of races, visit Run4PD.org or call the Parkinson’s Foundation free Helpline at 1-800-4PD-INFO (473-4636) for assistance in English or Spanish.