Ryan Reynolds says he completed "the biggest challenge" of his life when he ran in the ING New York City Marathon for a good cause. "My father for the last 15 years has suffered from Parkinson's disease and it's been incredibly difficult for everyone in my family," explains Ryan, who joined 130 "Team Fox" runners to raise money for the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. "I wouldn't be out here fighting for this if I didn't think we were literally at a tipping point for finding a cure." Although the 26.2 mile race was grueling, Ryan got a huge boost from a man he calls "skin-covered inspiration" at mile 23. "I see this Team Fox banner up ahead, and I look to my left and there I saw Michael. My dad, for I think fairly obvious reasons, couldn't be there at the marathon. I would have loved him to be there, but Michael really was a kind of surrogate for that for me, and to just high five him and have that moment really carried me through." Team Fox raised a combined total of $450,000 and Ryan personally raised $81,000, but Rachael tells him, "I like round numbers, so here is a personal check from me to you for $19,000 so you can go to $100,000." Ryan is thrilled, but has something else in mind. "I think there's a better person you can give this to. Why don't you give this to the big guy himself?" Rachael is surprised to see Michael join them as the star [returns to the kitchen table.](/show/view/162/) "You look great!" she says. "How are you doing?" The iconic actor jokes, "I have a kid in college and a 20th wedding anniversary, I'm an official old guy!" Rachael asks Michael to offer some marital advice to Ryan, who recently tied the knot to Scarlett Johansson. "Just remember this," Michael says, "if a man says something in the forest and his wife isn't there to hear him -- he's still wrong!" All joking aside, Michael is touched by Ryan's support. "It means a lot and I'm humbled by you connecting your feelings for your father and your affection for him, and your desire to maybe make his life better and make life better for others in the situation. I'm humbled to even associate that with the work that we do." You can help by joining the Team Fox efforts. "For all new members, every dollar you raise as of October 1st forward will be matched dollar for dollar," explains Katie Fox, CEO of the Michael J. Fox Foundation. "And for all existing members any dollar raised beyond your total last year will be doubled as well." @[Click here for more information. ](http://www.michaeljfox.org/help_teamFox.cfm)