DETROIT — Documentarian and producer Jamen Spitzer will conclude four years of filming for his documentary, Run4Ben, at this year’s Detroit Free Press Marathon on Sunday, October 15, where he will run for Detroit Tigers’ legend Kirk Gibson’s “Team 23” to raise money for the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s. Additionally, he will be pushing his father, a Parkinson’s patient, in a running chair.
Run4Ben is an intimate journey that chronicles the impact Parkinson’s Disease has on one family. It begins in 2020 — six years after Ben Spitzer was diagnosed with the neurological disorder. To channel his emotions as he watches Ben’s health and quality of life suddenly begins to rapidly decline, Jamen runs the marathon each year — and each time, seemingly unsurmountable obstacles arise.
The Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s was formed by former professional baseball player and manager, Kirk Gibson, after his diagnosis with Parkinson’s disease in 2015, the mission to improve the quality of life of those living with Parkinson’s through the development and delivery of activity-based programs. Gibson spent most of his career with the Detroit Tigers, but also played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Kansas City Royals and Pittsburgh Pirates. Gibson is currently the color commentator for the Detroit Tigers, special assistant to the Tigers, and spends his time supporting his vision to provide inspiration, hope and help to those living with Parkinson’s Disease and their loved ones. Gibson wore jersey #23 which was the inspiration for the formation of “Team23” within the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s. Team23 is the grassroots fundraising and volunteer team for the Foundation.
“The first year I ran this marathon, I did it alone in LA because of the pandemic,” said Jamen Spitzer. “Subsequently, I’ve had the pleasure of running with the great folks who are a part of Team 23, but this year, I’m especially excited because my dad will be with us in the running chair. “He isn’t able to go outside often but every time I’ve taken him on a practice run with me, I can see the joy all over his face when he feels the rush of the wind and the sun on his face.”
“Jamen is our original Team23 runner and captain and is the heart and soul of Team23. We can’t wait to support his run in Detroit and feel honored to be a small part of Jamen and Ben’s story” said Michelle Newman, Chief Operating Officer for the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s.
“We have hundreds of hours of footage that include events, confessionals, and interviews over four taxing years,” said Run4Ben director, Mike Piccirillo, “but to conclude our story with Ben alongside Jamen for 26.2 miles is the cherry on top.”
Spitzer added, “My hope is that Run4Ben brings more attention to this terrible disease, and, hopefully, helps patients and their loved ones feel less alone.”
The 2023 Detroit Free Press Marathon begins at 7 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 15. All runners must cross the finish line by 2 p.m. Jamen Spitzer’s goal is to raise $23,000 for “Team 23” for the Kirk Gibson Foundation for Parkinson’s. To support Jamen’s goal and help the foundation, please visit www.Run4Ben.com
