One More Step.
Just One More.
Forward Motion Fund: Turning a Parkinson’s diagnosis into a platform for impact
Some races choose you. For me, that race is Parkinson’s Disease. Diagnosed at 48, I faced a year of uncertainty, pain, and the possibility that my days as an athlete were over.
But in May 2024, I returned to the start line. And I am still racing.
Forward Motion Fund was born from that decision to keep moving forward, not just for me, but for everyone navigating their own uninvited race:
Whether you’re living with Parkinson’s, supporting a loved one or competing as a challenged athlete, this Fund is for you.
My family and I are supporting research that moves science forward because no diagnosis, no challenge, no barrier can stop someone who refuses to give up.
One More Step…Just One More! That’s all it takes. And together, we’re taking them.
WHO WE SUPPORT
Forward Motion Fund supports everyone touched by the fight against Parkinson’s Disease and those who refuse to let adversity define their limits.
Parkinson’s Research
We fund research organizations working toward better treatments and ultimately a cure. Every dollar brings us closer to a world without Parkinson’s.
Partners & Caregivers
Behind every person with Parkinson’s is a partner, family member, or caregiver moving forward with them. We provide resources and support to those who care for loved ones navigating chronic illness.
Challenged Athletes
Through our partnership with the Challenged Athlete Foundation, we empower athletes with physical challenges to keep competing, training, and proving what’s possible.
The IRONMAN Foundation Youth & Education Programs
We raise funds for Bikes for Kids and Swim Ready programs, giving children in underserved communities access to bikes, swimming lessons, and the opportunity to discover the joy of sport.
The Parkinson’s Community
Individuals and families living with Parkinson’s find inspiration, community, and proof that a diagnosis is not a finish line through Greg’s platform and advocacy work.
Forward motion connects us all. Whether you’re funding research, supporting a caregiver, cheering on a challenged athlete, or watching a child ride their first bike… you’re part of the movement.
ABOUT OUR FOUNDERS
Greg Schaefer is an 18-time IRONMAN event finisher, 2-time IRONMAN World Championship Kona finisher, 2-time IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship finisher, CEO, father of two, and someone living with Young-Onset Parkinson’s Disease.
In March 2023, at age 48, Greg received a phone call that changed everything: he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s. For nearly a year, the disease robbed him of movement, turned simple tasks into battles, and left him questioning whether the athlete he had been his entire life was gone forever.
But in May 2024, Greg returned to the start line at IRONMAN 70.3 Chattanooga. He had the worst race of his life by time, and the most meaningful finish of his career.
That day, he realized something profound: some races choose you. And when they do, you get to decide how you show up.
Greg’s life has been defined by showing up. At 18, dropped on a Baltimore street corner at 5 AM by a college basketball coach trying to break him, he showed up the next day anyway. Building his own insurance company in New York City with almost no money, he showed up through thousands of rejections. And now, racing with Parkinson’s, he’s still showing up.
As CEO of Schaefer Enterprises for 27 years, Greg continues to lead his commercial insurance business while using his platform to inspire others. His advocacy work launched nationally through an IRONMAN-produced video from the 2025 World Championship in Marbella, Spain, and he speaks to corporate audiences and schools, encouraging everyone from professionals to students to never quit in the face of adversity.
Greg founded Forward Motion Fund to ensure that his forward motion creates forward motion for others, from funding research for a cure, to supporting caregivers, to getting kids on bikes for the first time.
Maryann’s Story:
Dr. Maryann Mikhail is Greg’s wife, a Board Certified Dermatologist, dedicated mother of two, and co-founder of Forward Motion Fund. Dr. Mikhail has owned a dermatology practice since 2009.
When Greg was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, Maryann became a caregiver, advocate, and partner in navigating the daily realities of chronic illness. As a physician, she understood the medical side of Parkinson’s.
Maryann knows firsthand what it means to support someone you love through an incurable diagnosis and that’s why supporting partners and caregivers is central to Forward Motion Fund’s mission.For Maryann, research is personal. As a physician committed to advancing treatment and finding a cure, she brings both medical expertise and lived experience to the fund’s mission.
Together, Greg and Maryann are transforming their Parkinson’s journey into a platform that supports research, empowers caregivers, inspires athletes, and gives children opportunities they might never have had.
Maryann and Greg are the proud parents of two boys, James and Jax, both dedicated students and aspiring young athletes. They lead by example with Forward Motion Fund, and hope to pass this mission forward to the boys to continue until a cure is discovered.
Because forward motion is stronger when we move together.
Moving Forward for Our Partners
Forward Motion Fund raises money through Greg’s racing platform, corporate partnerships, and community events, then directs funds to organizations making a real impact.
Our Partners:
- Parkinson’s research organizations
- Challenged Athlete Foundation
- IRONMAN Foundation Youth & Education initiatives
- Partner and caregiver support programs
How We Raise Funds:
Greg’s Racing Platform
Greg competes in IRONMAN events throughout the year, using each race as an opportunity to raise awareness and funds. From IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Rico to the World Championships in Nice and Kona, every race is a chance to inspire and impact lives.
The Parkinson’s Bike Auction
Greg is creating a custom IRONMAN bike designed for Parkinson’s athletes by artist Rosanna Kalis. The bike will be auctioned at the end of the 2026 season, with all proceeds benefiting Forward Motion Fund partners.
Community Fundraising Events
Throughout the year, we host events that bring the community together to raise funds and awareness. Our signature event in Florida (June 2026) will celebrate forward motion and support our mission.
Corporate Partnerships
We partner with businesses and organizations who share our commitment to creating impact. Corporate sponsorships amplify our reach and multiply our impact.
Every dollar raised creates forward motion for research, for caregivers, for challenged athletes, for kids discovering sport for the first time.
News
3.19.25 | IMF Names Greg Schaefer as Parkinson’s Advocate and Featured Athlete for the 2026 Season
Greg is turning his diagnosis into purpose and using his platform to fund opportunities for youth while demonstrating that a Parkinson’s diagnosis is not a finish line. Throughout 2026, Greg will compete in multiple IRONMAN events, share his story across race communities, and lead fundraising efforts in support of youth programming. He will also unveil a custom-designed IRONMAN bike for Parkinson’s athletes, created by artist Rosanna Kalis, which will be auctioned at the end of the season.
3.19.26 | Patriot Growth Insurance Services Launches a $10,000 Employee Match Opportunity for Forward Motion Fund!
We are so grateful to PGIS for their support of Greg and The Forward Motion Fund.
Get Involved
Forward motion happens when we move together. Here’s how you can be part of the movement:
Donate
Every contribution, no matter the size, makes a difference. Your donation funds Parkinson’s research, supports caregivers, empowers challenged athletes, and gets bikes into the hands of kids who need them.
Follow Greg’s Journey
Stay connected as Greg races, speaks, and advocates for the Parkinson’s community. Follow along on social media and join the Forward Motion community.
Partner With Us
Corporate partnerships and sponsorships amplify our impact. If your organization shares our mission, let’s talk about how we can create forward motion together.
Share the Story
The more people who know about Forward Motion Fund, the more lives we can impact. Share Greg’s story, spread awareness about Parkinson’s, and help us grow the movement.
One more step. Just one more. Let’s take it together.
Upcoming Events
Join us as Greg races and Forward Motion Fund raises awareness and funds throughout 2026:
- March 15, 2026 – IRONMAN 70.3 Puerto Rico
- April 20, 2026 – Boston Marathon
- May 17, 2026 – IRONMAN 70.3 Chattanooga (Anniversary Comeback Race)
- June 2026 – Forward Motion Fund Signature Fundraising Event (Florida)
- September 13, 2026 – IRONMAN 70.3 World Championship (Nice, France)
- October 10, 2026 – IRONMAN World Championship (Kona, Hawaii)
Stay tuned for more details and ways to support at each event.