The award was presented during the Foundation’s Volunteer Leadership Summit in Dallas, held September 24–26. Pontikes shared the honor with her husband, Rocky Pontikes, and OpenBet CEO Jordan Levin. Together, the trio expanded the Million Meter Challenge from its rowing roots to include walking, running, and biking, ultimately attracting more than 300 participants. The initiative culminated in the NeuroFiber-sponsored Million Meter Mixer, an event that shifted the focus from competitive milestones to collective advocacy.
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Jennifer Pontikes Earns Parkinson's Foundation Top Fundraiser Honor
Diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2023, Sorridi Therapeutics consultant Jennifer Pontikes has been recognized by the Parkinson's Foundation for her leadership in raising over $185,000. Her efforts, centered on the Million Meter Challenge, transformed a virtual fitness competition into a vital support network for those fighting the condition.
Beyond her fundraising, Pontikes maintains a professional role at Sorridi Therapeutics, where she contributes to research exploring the gut microbiome’s influence on neurological function. Beth Statkus, CEO of Sorridi Therapeutics, noted that Pontikes’ personal experience with the disease provides a unique and vital perspective to the company’s mission. With the Million Meter Challenge scheduled to return in April 2027, Pontikes continues to emphasize that shared purpose remains the most effective tool in managing the impact of Parkinson's.
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