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Writer's picturenicole

speed a cure for Parkinson’s

Updated: Dec 13


I am grateful for the Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) for raising awareness about Parkinson's, a progressive movement disorder of the central nervous system, the 2nd most common neurological affliction in the world.


I participated in the New England Parkinson's Ride this year - the largest single-day fundraising event for the Michale J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) in the world. The event has raised 1.28 million dollars in 2024, with a goal of 2 million.


During the 100 mi ride with no phone/electronics, I reflected:

New England Parkinson's Ride starting line
  • I am deeply moved by the strength and fortitude of the heros living with Parkinson's. The resilance of the superheroes living each day as it comes, rising through the very real physical and mental pain, is respected in full. This provides an example to us all on how to persevere and be grateful for each day as it comes despite the challenges we face.

  • Everything great cannot be done alone. Twice during the race I got lost (oops for not bringing a gps/phone with me). One time a volunteer directed me back to the route. Another time two riders who also took a wrong turn, but had a gps, joined me and we rode together back to the route. Without these humans the race would have been much longer than 100mi for me, or likely I wouldn't have finished.

  • Each present moment is all we have. I've noticed this is a common sentiment in the community. I felt this and in spirit used the mantra durng the ride "one more cycle, and another one, and anolther one" focusing on each cycle all the way to the finish line.

  • Finishing what we start and commit to is respected and brings growth. I finished close to last on the day, having chose the longest distance and far out of my comfort zone. The post-race festivities were closing. But the daughter in the family who started the race approached me and said "thank you for finishing". She asked who I was riding for, I replied I was riding for the cause and the sport. She said "I am amazed by all of you riders. Thank you so much". We hugged and began crying there at the finish line. I was so moved by every person I met at every rest stop with their stories and testimonies. I gained much respect for all the participants and volunteers. We shared that emotion and it was beautiful.


Next:

  • Donate to the non-profit MJFF via my race link below through which 100% of the donation goes directly to the MJFF.

    https://give.michaeljfox.org/nicole

  • Invest in publically traded companies MJFF has collaborated with. I reviewed a dozen of these stocks. Top picks based on anticipated future financial performance (see accompanying snowflake analysis at end):

    • (stock ticker) $MRK

      • Merck and The Michael J Fox Foundation are working together to research how to slow the progression of Parkinson's disease. Merck's SMC immunoassay technology can detect small changes in biomarker levels, which can indicate the level of cell dysfunction. 

      • Finance:

        • Trading 63% below estimated fair value.

        • Earnings forcasted to grow 16% per year.

        • Earnings grew by 163% over past year.

        • Pays a reliable dividend of 3.14%.

        • Analysts are in good agreement stock will rise by 26% in next year.

    • $ACAD

      • Acadia Pharmaceuticals focuses on central nervous system (CNS) disorders, including Parkinson's. Their drug, Nuplazid, is used to treat Parkinson's disease psychosis, and they are involved in further research for Parkinson's therapies.

      • Finance:

        • Trading 80.4% below estimated fair value.

        • Earnings are forcasted to grow 26% per year.

        • Just became profitable this year (let's go)

    • $NBIX

      • Neurocrine focuses on neurology and endocrinology, and has been involved in Parkinson's disease research, specifically looking into treatments for motor symptoms and other related complications.

      • Finance:

        • Trading 69% below estimated fair value.

        • Earnings forcasted to grow 27% per year.

        • Earnings grew by 102% over past year.

        • Analysts are in good agreement stock will rise by 28% in next year.

    • $MDT

      • A major player in developing implantable devices like deep brain stimulators used to manage Parkinson's symptoms. 

      • Finance:

        • Trading 37% below estimated fair value.

        • Earnings forcasted to grow 10% per year.

        • Pays a reliable dividend of 3.33%.

        • Trading at a good value compared with peers and industry.


Snowflake analysis of MRK, ACAD, NBIX & MDT, respectively



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