Jess Barnard

I’m running the 2026 TCS New York City Marathon(!) with the Parkinson’s Champions team in memory of my uncle Lynn, who I considered my dad. 🤍

Lynn was a lifelong runner. Over the course of his life, he completed more than 15 marathons and found joy, purpose, and community through running. He was also one of my biggest supporters and loudest fans. No matter what goal or adventure, he believed in me.

Last October, we lost Lynn after a 6+ year battle with Parkinson’s disease. During the final chapter of his life, I had the privilege of serving as his primary caregiver, helping him navigate the many challenges of this disease while doing everything I could to protect his dignity, independence, and quality of life.

Parkinson’s changed many things, but it never changed who Lynn was: kind, curious, resilient, hilarious, stubborn as hell, and deeply devoted to the people he loved. Even as the disease progressed, he remained a source of encouragement, laughter, perspective, and unwavering love.

This marathon is for him. For the runner he was, the father figure he became, and the countless individuals and families navigating Parkinson’s disease every day. Every mile will be in his honor.

If you’d like to contribute to my fundraiser, you can click the link in my bio. 🤍