Bipartisan Politics and Michael J Fox

I recently had the opportunity to Co-Chair an event in support of the Michael J Fox Foundation in Washington, DC. It was a bipartisan event, bringing together current and former elected officials from Boston and DC for one single goal - finding a cure for Parkinson’s. Here are my remarks.

For those of you who don’t know me – I am a lobbyist / A dad /a son / a husband / and I have PD. I was diagnosed 6 years ago at the age of 39. I maintain a relatively normal life working with clients, ?ying to DC, taking our son to soccer and basketball, and - if you follow me on Instagram - traveling – A LOT. Life is pretty good for Matt Keswick but it is not always easy. Some days I can’t move, some days I can’t get out of bed, some days I just want to cry. It is a very tricky disease as every day is different – some days I have a tremor – some days I am ?ne.

I have found in addition to my 14 daily pills that movement helps the body in ?ghting PD - and as some of you know I am outrunning this disease – literally. On Saturday morning, I actually completed a six mile training run around the Washington Mall in prepping for the Cherry Blossom ten miler in April. I am doing all I can to ?ght this disease on a daily basis.

I am blessed to have a loving family and have surrounded myself with great friends who support and encourage me on a daily basis. I have also met some amazing friends through the Fox Foundation who have become like family, and in my world, you help family and friends.

As a lobbyist, I know a lot of people and help a lot of people. I have skills, connections and know how to get things done. Recently, I decided to leverage my career skills and network to help others via the Fox Foundation. When Justin and I started talking about putting this event together a few months ago, we told the team at The Michael J. Fox Foundation that we thought we could get a few friends together and hopefully raise around $25,000. Out of a small conference room at a WeWork in the Navy Yard this concept was born – A BI PARTISAN event - one that has brought together DC and Boston, Governors and Congressmen, Republicans and Democrats all for a single cause – to ?nd a cure.

Tonight is about YOU and the power you have to make a difference. Your voice and leadership are as valuable as your ?nancial contributions. YOU can help raise awareness and spread the word for the need for research and help for this $50 Billion dollar annual expense associated with this disease. It all starts with a simple ask. In paraphrasing Bobby Kennedy,

'Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others……he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls……’

In today’s political environment filled with rhetoric and character assassination, it is encouraging to see people coming together for a single cause. Just remember, it takes just as much energy to point the finger at some one as it does to extend a hand.