The Value of Community

Mike and Mary Ellen Fox were raised in families that emphasized the importance of giving back, and both have embraced those values in their own long history of volunteerism and community philanthropy. Married in 1959, Mike and Mary Ellen today have six children and 16 grandchildren, all of whom live within an hour of their home in the Santa Clara Valley. "A community is like a family. If one person lacks the basics, the effects are felt on many levels," said Mary Ellen. "Quality medical care is fundamental to a healthy community, from the moment a baby is born all the way to the end of life."

In January 2003, Mike began to notice disturbing changes in his eyesight, including double vision. He and Mary Ellen consulted with Mike's primary care physician, who found that Mike had an overactive thyroid and referred him to Dr. Todd Kaye, an endocrinologist at the Palo Alto Medical Foundation's (PAMF) Mountain View Center. After conducting nuclear imaging tests that revealed no abnormalities, Dr. Kaye sent Mike to Dr. Yichieh Shiuey, an ophthalmologist at PAMF's Sunnyvale Eye Clinic, who did several exams to rule out Grave's Disease – initially suspected by Mike and Mary Ellen. That same day, Dr. Shiuey sent Mike down the hall to see his fellow ophthalmologist Carol Winton for further testing. Still, a diagnosis remained elusive. Then, an unexpected breakthrough happened.

"The next morning, Dr. Winton was set to drive up to Lake Tahoe for a vacation with her family," recalls Mike. "While driving home from the office that evening, she suddenly realized that I could be suffering from myasthenia gravis." Myasthenia gravis is a rare neuromuscular disease that affects the autoimmune system, and one of the first noticeable symptoms is weakness of the eye muscles. Dr. Winton immediately ordered blood tests for Mike, and the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis was confirmed. She then referred Mike to neurologist Leland Greenwald, who concurred with Dr. Winton's diagnosis. Dr. Greenwald also suspected that Mike might have Parkinson’s disease – a suspicion that was soon confirmed. Since then, Mike has continued to see Dr. Greenwald, and his symptoms from Parkinson's and myasthenia gravis are alleviated by medication.

Although Mike has only been a PAMF patient for five years, his experience inspired him to become deeply involved in helping the organization to flourish. "Good health care is defined by three things: access, availability and quality," he said. "This organization delivers excellence in all these areas, and the electronic health record provides tremendous advantages to patients and doctors." In 2006, Mike became a founding member of the Philanthropy Leadership Council, a nine-member group established to advance long-term philanthropic support for capital projects and expanded programs at the Mountain View Center and other local PAMF facilities.

In 2008, Mike and Mary Ellen took on the role of co-chairs of the capital campaign for PAMF’s new Sunnyvale Center. The new Center will include a Cancer Center and Vision Care Center, as well as a Diagnostic Center and physicians' offices.

When asked if he could name a defining moment, Mike recalled a time more than 30 years ago when he made a life-changing decision. "I realized that my lifestyle back then was not compatible with longevity and happiness," he said. Mike consulted with a dietitian, began a rigorous exercise program and was soon running marathons. "For me, maintaining a healthy weight and avoiding nicotine and alcohol are the keys to a happier, more meaningful existence."

Mike is particularly grateful to Dr. Greenwald for his care and attention. "I remember when I couldn't get out of bed in the morning," he said. "Now I have strength and energy and am so much happier. It's like I ran into a miracle at the Mountain View Center, so I've chosen to express some of my gratitude financially."

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