Jacob Misiorowski, a rising star in Major League Baseball and one of the Milwaukee Brewers’ most promising pitching prospects, is stepping up to the mound for more than just his team these days. His journey, however, is not just about baseball—it’s deeply personal. Misiorowski’s father, Tom, has endured the relentless challenges of Parkinson’s disease for much of Jacob’s life, and that fight has shaped the young pitcher’s outlook both on and off the field.
Parkinson’s disease is a neurological disorder that affects an estimated 1.1 million Americans, with around 20,000 living in Wisconsin alone, according to the Wisconsin Parkinson Association (WPA). The disease can rob individuals of their mobility, independence, and, all too often, the careers they love. Tom Misiorowski, for instance, had to retire early from his job as an electrician—a profession he was both passionate about and skilled in—after the disease’s progression made it impossible to continue.
Despite the hardships, Jacob sees silver linings. "I mean, I think it made him more available to me growing up," Misiorowski told MLB.com, reflecting on the time his father was able to spend with him after retiring. "He kind of retired from his work and stuck around with me. It was awesome to have him around, but it definitely affected him physically. It’s not an easy disease. It’s difficult, and it changes people in various ways."
Determined to channel his platform for good, Misiorowski has joined forces with the WPA, an independent organization based in Brookfield, Wisconsin, to help raise both awareness and funds for Parkinson’s. The partnership is still in its early stages, but the pitcher’s commitment is already making waves. During a much-anticipated game against Pirates ace Paul Skenes on June 25, 2025, Misiorowski took the field wearing custom cleats adorned with his father’s initials and a tulip—the universal symbol for Parkinson’s awareness. He plans to lace up those same cleats again on August 15, 2025, as the Brewers kick off MLB’s Players Weekend in Cincinnati, marking his return from the injured list.
"My dad is more than thrilled that I’m supporting this," Misiorowski said. "He’s been dealing with this for a lot of his life, so it’s good to support it in any way I can." The gesture did not go unnoticed by the WPA. Kelly Cieslak, the executive director of the organization, recalled how the story first caught their attention: "How we learned about his story initially was the tulip on the cleats. We said, ‘Hey, let’s reach out. He’s on the hometown team. How do we partner?’ We knew it was kind of a long shot because people are probably banging down the door to get to this guy." When Misiorowski agreed to collaborate, it was cause for celebration at the WPA.
The WPA, which is not affiliated with any national Parkinson’s charities, operates with a modest budget of roughly $1 million and a dedicated but small staff—two full-time employees and three part-timers—who serve all 72 counties in Wisconsin. The organization’s mission is to provide essential services, support, and advice to families grappling with Parkinson’s. "I don’t want to speak for Jacob, but I take calls personally and what I hear is, ‘I want to help. I don’t even know where to start. I don’t know what to do,’" Cieslak explained. "Sometimes people don’t want to ask for help. Sometimes people don’t want to admit something is wrong. So it’s all different things that happen, right? Where WPA comes in, we can sometimes be that third party to talk with them, make sure they are connected with the right medical professional. It’s almost like that intake call, gauging where people are at with their situation and meeting them where they are."
The WPA offers a broad range of services, from connecting families to support groups and exercise classes tailored for Parkinson’s care, to providing in-home services and mental health resources. The organization has even hosted adaptive rock climbing and boxing events, which have shown promise in slowing the progression of the disease. They also distribute walking poles to encourage movement, a crucial component in managing Parkinson’s symptoms. "Movement is one of the only things to slow the progression of Parkinson’s and it’s so important," Cieslak emphasized.
Misiorowski’s involvement is expected to be a game-changer for the WPA, especially as they gear up for Parkinson’s Awareness Month in April 2026. His visibility and personal connection to the cause have already sparked ideas for future events and campaigns. For Misiorowski, the effort is all about making a difference for his father and others facing similar battles. "It’s been a positive road so far," he said. "But you know, it’s also a slippery road and it changes really quick. It’s one of those things that you can’t just fall down the road of the ‘bad.’ It’s already bad enough, let’s make it better."
Meanwhile, the fight against Parkinson’s is taking place far beyond the baseball diamond. In Rochester, New York, two local runners—Charlie Ruff of Brighton and Jake Metzger of Penfield—are preparing for their own test of endurance and resolve. The duo is set to compete in the Oregon Cascades 100, an ultramarathon that stretches 100 miles from Bend to Sisters, Oregon. Their mission: to raise $25,000 for the Parkinson’s Foundation, a national organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for those affected by the disease.
Both Ruff and Metzger have personal stakes in the cause, as each has family members who have battled Parkinson’s. Their campaign has already garnered impressive support, with over $20,000 raised ahead of the August 23, 2025, race. Runners in the Oregon Cascades 100 are given just over 32 hours to complete the grueling course, a feat that demands not only physical stamina but also mental fortitude. For Ruff and Metzger, every mile is a tribute to their loved ones and a step toward greater awareness and support for the Parkinson’s community.
The Parkinson’s Foundation, the beneficiary of the runners’ efforts, plays a vital role nationally, providing education, resources, and funding for research. The foundation’s work complements the grassroots efforts of organizations like the WPA, together forming a network of support for the millions affected by Parkinson’s across the country.
As awareness grows and more individuals like Misiorowski, Ruff, and Metzger step forward, the fight against Parkinson’s gains new momentum. Their stories illustrate the power of personal connection and community action—whether on the field, on the trail, or in the everyday lives of families confronting the disease. For those living with Parkinson’s and their loved ones, these acts of solidarity offer hope and a reminder: no one has to face this journey alone.
