University of Helsinki
I arrived in Finland this past August to complete my Master’s in Media and Global Communication here at the University of Helsinki. I am from Vancouver, Canada and while it has been a drastic change from North America, I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Helsinki, the University, my peers and the faculty in the MGC program, and now, the snow! And even though I’m a world away from what I know, I remain deeply connected to many aspects of my life back in Canada. One of them is running.
Sometimes running is more than just running.
For the past three years I have run marathons. My decision to start this endeavor was completely spontaneous and lacked perspective and planning, but nonetheless has been the most fulfilling time of my life. I have run in the New York City Marathon twice and in the Paris Marathon this past April. I have gone from just hoping to simply survive a 42.2km run, to racing, and qualifying for the Boston Marathon, the most elite marathon in the world. But I don’t run just to run, though I love it. I also run to raise awareness for Parkinson’s Research. I have a personal connection to the cause as my dad battled Parkinson’s Disease for 12 years before passing away in June of 2010, just a few months before my first marathon in NYC. Every race I run is in his honor, and every stride I take is to support the incredible work of Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research and their search for a cure.
The MJFF works with a laser- like focus on finding a cure for Parkinson’s Disease. Since its inception in 2000, the MJFF has now become the largest private funder of PD research in the world. 88 cents from every dollar donated to the organization goes directly to funding actionable research. Finding a cure is the only reason they exist, and this purity of motive is part of the reason why I do what I do. I run with this in my heart every day.
In North America, this type of cause- related, athletic activism is becoming one of the most important connections for both individuals and organizations to build awareness for their causes. In fact, for my thesis, I am researching the potential power and influence individuals have through new media to affect social change. It is rare to have synergy between one’s deepest passions and one’s studies, but for this brief moment in time, this is true of my life here in Helsinki. My fellow students and the faculty in the
MGC program have been tremendous supporters and we are working together to find creative ways to the raise awareness for the Parkinson’s cause. Coming together and doing small things can make a big difference. For example, in a couple weeks a bunch of us are going to have a Christmas dinner and instead doing a secret santa, we are all going to make a donation to the MJFF.
Throughout this winter I will be running, biking, swimming and cross- country skiing to keep fit and prepare for the Boston Marathon, and continuing to help bring awareness to the cause. I have been motivated by the passion and engagement of so many already in Helsinki and at the University, and they have inspired me to continue to fight for those living with Parkinson’s Disease around the world, more than 10,000 of whom are Finns. There is a lot of work to be done, but I know that through our individual and collaborative efforts we will continue to make a difference, and ultimately find a cure for Parkinson’s Disease.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” -Margaret Mead.
Matthew Mitchell