An interview with Michelle Oxx: Embracing the Journey: From Diagnosis to Advocacy
Please tell me a little about your background.
I am a retired educator with over 25 years of experience as an elementary teacher, special education teacher, and school administrator. I currently serve as an adjunct faculty member and clinical supervisor at Kean University, where I mentor the next generation of teachers. I am also the founder of The Oxx Foundation, a nonprofit organization headquartered in Ocean County, New Jersey, dedicated to both Parkinson’s awareness and trauma-informed community support. Beyond my professional journey, my family is at the heart of everything I do. I’ve been married to my husband, for over 20 years, and we have three wonderful children who inspire me every day. Our family, has been my greatest source of strength and motivation. They are part of the reason I founded The Oxx Foundation: to create a legacy of hope, resilience, and compassion for others while embracing our own journey with Parkinson’s.
Can you tell me more about your Advocacy?
The Oxx Foundation blends Parkinson’s awareness with trauma-informed community support. Through programs like art therapy, dance therapy, and support groups, we aim to create spaces of healing and empowerment. My advocacy is deeply personal, and my family has stood beside me every step of the way—whether it’s volunteering at events, helping behind the scenes, or simply being a constant source of encouragement. Together, we’ve learned that advocacy is not something you do alone; it’s a family journey. Our tagline is “Embracing the Journey,” because living with Parkinson’s is a journey that requires resilience, compassion, and community.
What is your passion and how did you get involved in Parkinson’s awareness and hope for a cure?
My passion stems from my personal journey of being diagnosed with Parkinson’s myself. This diagnosis shifted my perspective from being only an educator and advocate to also becoming a patient navigating the daily realities of Parkinson’s. That personal experience inspired me to create The Oxx Foundation and commit myself to raising awareness, supporting others, and investing in hope for a cure.
What type of goals do individuals with Parkinson’s have when seeing your Advocacy?
Many people want connection, understanding, and tools to live with dignity. Our advocacy helps them build goals around maintaining independence, improving quality of life, and finding emotional support. For some, it’s about slowing progression through exercise and therapy. For others, it’s about knowing they aren’t alone.
What type of training and how long are the programs?
Our health and wellness programs are ongoing and flexible. For example, art therapy and dance therapy sessions are typically one hour, offered monthly or bi-weekly depending on need. Support groups meet regularly and are guided by trauma-informed facilitators. Our programs are designed to be approachable, consistent, and sustainable for participants and caregivers.
What effect can your Advocacy have on an individual with Parkinson’s?
Advocacy can reduce isolation, increase confidence, and inspire hope. The therapies we support not only help with physical mobility and brain stimulation, but they also create emotional release, joy, and belonging. The effect is often a sense of empowerment—knowing there are resources, community, and people who genuinely care.
What would you like to see as a future goal for your Advocacy?
I would love to see The Oxx Foundation expand into a full community hub that provides year-round programming, more scholarships, and broader outreach across New Jersey and beyond. My long-term goal is to help normalize trauma-informed, holistic care for Parkinson’s patients and to contribute meaningfully to research and funding for a cure.
What events do you participate in?
We host and participate in a variety of events including our Stronger Together Gift Auction, Autumn Lights: Festival for Parkinson’s, Pitch-In for Parkinson’s with the Jersey Shore BlueClaws, our Pancakes for Parkinson’s Breakfast, and more. These events are designed to raise awareness, celebrate community, and fundraise for our programs.
How does this also assist the caregivers?
Caregivers often feel invisible, yet they are the backbone of Parkinson’s care. Our programs provide them with community, respite, and resources. By supporting caregivers, we strengthen the support system around every individual living with Parkinson’s.
How can someone get in touch? What is your website?
The best way to connect is through our website: www.theoxxfoundation.org
We also welcome emails info@theoxxfoundation.org and social media messages.
How can others also become advocates for awareness?
Advocacy begins with conversation—sharing knowledge, speaking up, volunteering, and supporting events. You don’t have to have Parkinson’s to advocate; you simply need compassion and a willingness to listen and act.
If you could add any questions to this interview that you may want others to learn about, what would the question(s) be?
“How does Parkinson’s affect family dynamics and how can families grow stronger together?”
“What role can local businesses play in supporting nonprofit advocacy?”
In your opinion, what is the key to effective advocacy?
The key is authenticity. Advocacy must come from a place of lived experience, deep listening, and genuine care for others. It is not just about raising awareness, it’s about creating solutions and making people feel seen.
How can we better fundraise to support a cure for Parkinson’s?
We need to blend traditional fundraising with creative community engagement. Local events, corporate partnerships, grassroots donations, and digital campaigns can all work together. Transparency is also vital—when people know their contributions directly support research and programs, they give more confidence.
What other activities do you undertake to help improve and support your daily living e.g., exercise and alternative remedies?
I focus on movement—dance therapy, walking when I can, and stretching. I also practice mindfulness, art as a therapeutic outlet, and embrace alternative remedies like music therapy and holistic nutrition. Staying active physically, mentally, and emotionally is key – yet not always easy.
Why should people who don’t have Parkinson’s care about this?
Because Parkinson’s is not just an individual journey—it impacts families, communities, workplaces, and healthcare systems. Awareness leads to compassion, which makes communities stronger. Supporting Parkinson’s advocacy also means supporting a healthier, more inclusive world.
Have you had any family members or relatives affected by Parkinson’s disease?
Yes, I have Parkinson’s myself, and my family has been directly affected by the realities of the disease. It has reshaped our family dynamics but also brought us closer together. Their love and support give me the strength to keep advocating.
If you had one song that would tell us more about you or represent your life, which song would it be?
For me, Alicia Keys’ “Girl on Fire” is more than just a song — it’s an anthem of strength and resilience. Living with Parkinson’s, there are days that test my spirit, but advocacy has taught me to keep walking with determination, even when the journey feels heavy. The song speaks to the power of embracing who you are, shining your light, and not letting challenges extinguish that flame.
If you had one final statement or quote you could leave for the Parkinson’s community, what would it be?
“You are not defined by Parkinson’s—you are defined by your courage to keep moving forward, to embrace the journey, and to never give up hope.”
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TogetherForSharon® In memory of my mother, Sharon to voice awareness & hope for a Parkinson’s Disease cure. Sharon’s Son, George