Jennifer Pontikes Receives Award for Fundraising Excellence from Parkinson's Foundation

On October 5, 2026, Sorridi Therapeutics proudly announced that their employee, Jennifer (Jen) Pontikes, was awarded the prestigious 2026 Top Fundraisers Award by the Parkinson's Foundation. This honor, spotlighting her significant contributions to fundraising initiatives, was presented during the Parkinson's Foundation Volunteer Leadership Summit that took place from September 24-26 in Dallas, Texas.

Jen Pontikes has been a remarkable advocate for the Parkinson's community, alongside her husband, Rocky Pontikes, and fellow Parkinson's Champion Jordan Levin. Together, they launched the Million Meter Challenge, a virtual initiative aimed at motivating individuals to engage in physical activities while raising much-needed awareness and funds for the Parkinson's Foundation.

Initially focusing on rowing, the Million Meter Challenge soon evolved to include other activities such as power walking, running, and biking. This innovative challenge brought together over 300 enthusiastic participants, culminating in an impressive collection of more than $185,000 for the Parkinson's Foundation. A highlight of the event was the Million Meter Mixer, a lively in-person gathering sponsored by NeuroFiber, where community bonding took precedence over competition.

Reflecting on the initiative, Jen remarked, "Our biggest takeaway was the power of community and the reminder that we are all in this together. We were incredibly proud to watch all of our Million Meter Challenge participants accomplish things they never thought possible and see the challenge grow far beyond anything we originally imagined. Through my work with the Parkinson's community, I've learned that while this disease changes lives, shared purpose changes them more."

Her work in the Parkinson's community becomes even more personal, as Jen was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 2023. This diagnosis motivated her to advocate for further clinical research and support initiatives that combat this challenging disease. Beyond her volunteer efforts, Jen also plays a vital role at Sorridi Therapeutics, a company dedicated to understanding the connections between the gut microbiome and neurological functions. Their research aims to improve the quality of life for individuals facing neurodegenerative conditions, including Parkinson's disease.

Beth Statkus, Co-founder and CEO of Sorridi Therapeutics, expressed immense pride in Jen’s contributions, stating, "Sorridi is proud of the work Jen does to support the Parkinson's community and the impact she's made on so many individuals fighting the same battle she is. Her daily presence and energy are an inspiration for our team."

The Million Meter Challenge will return in April 2027, running from April 1st to 30th, and welcomes everyone interested in participating in this inclusive virtual challenge. To learn more about the Parkinson's Foundation or to get involved, interested individuals can reach out to Jen Pontikes directly at the provided contact.

About Sorridi Therapeutics

Sorridi Therapeutics is a science-driven company committed to empowering individuals to address the fundamental causes of disease, not just the symptoms. Their mission focuses on slowing the progression of neurodegenerative diseases and enhancing overall quality of life, starting with improvement in gut health. Developed by Sorridi, NeuroFiber® is a specialized nutrition bar formulated to promote digestion, microbiome diversity, and optimal gut-brain health. For more information, visit www.sorriditherapeutics.com.