One day after the Lehigh University field hockey team hosts Lafayette on October 27 in the final 2012 regular season contest, the Mountain Hawks will have one more order of business prior to the start of the Patriot League postseason.

Sunday, October 28 at 11 a.m. is when the field hockey team, and the greater university and Lehigh Valley community, come together to participate in the inaugural FoxTrot 5k on the cross country course at the Goodman Campus. The idea was the brainchild of senior midfielder Kelsey Zeswitz, whose mom Chrissie was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2010.

“I first started throwing around the idea for this when my mom was actually diagnosed,” said the Global Studies major from Lititz, Pa. “When I was researching I came across the Michael J. Fox Foundation and, after contacting them, I realized it would be a viable option for me to plan a 5k here on Lehigh’s campus.”

Kelsey Zeswitz says she inherited her love for “all things active” from her mom, who was her dance teacher when she was young. The planning has become a family affair, with her father contributing ideas for naming the event and her brother-in-law designing the logo and brochure.

Kelsey’s powerful words on the brochure have inspired many to sign up for the event, but more are needed to reach a fundraising goal of $2,500 for PD research.

“As an athlete, I had never stopped to think about what a gift it is to be ablebodied — that is, until my mom was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s Disease (PD),” Kelsey Zeswitz writes on the brochure. “PD affects over 5 million people worldwide, young and old. The Lehigh Valley has the opportunity to make a difference on October 28th.  On behalf of my mom and myself, thank you for taking a step towards beating this disease!”

The 5k is a run or walk and to register (or make a donation) simply visit www2.michaeljfox.org/goto/foxtrot2012. The registration fee is $20 and participants will receive a t-shirt.

Former Bangor Area High School field hockey standout Susan Ciufo, who is filling in for Mountain Hawks head coach Stacey Blue during a maternity leave, said the FoxTrot has been a bonding event for the team.

“It is really nice to see the team coming together off of the field,” Ciufo said. “People are getting involved not only for Kelsey and her mom, but for anyone who has Parkinsons.”