Michael J. Fox garnered fame as a young actor during the 1980s, leaving an indelible mark with memorable roles on both the small and big screens. Unfortunately, this beloved actor received the devastating diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease at the tender age of 29. Now, at 61, Fox takes a moment to reflect on his condition and share his aspirations for the future.
During an interview with Jane Pauley on CBS Sunday Morning, Michael J. Fox honestly acknowledged the increasing challenges he faces. “I won’t sugarcoat it; it’s becoming more difficult,” he confessed. “Each day presents new hurdles, but that’s the reality. Who can I turn to for a remedy?”
In addition to his struggle with Parkinson’s, Fox underwent surgery to remove a spinal tumor, which further impacted his mobility. As a result, he has experienced multiple falls and injuries in recent years, resulting in two broken arms, a broken hand, and fractures in his facial bones.
Pauley astutely observed the toll the disease has taken on Fox during the interview, remarking, “Every time I see you, I can sense it has exacted another piece from you.”
Michael responded by acknowledging the enduring battle he has fought for over 30 years, saying, “It’s been over three decades, and not many of us have endured this disease for so long. Having Parkinson’s is truly challenging.” He went on to explain that the constant reminder of his mortality weighs heavily on him, emphasizing that “you don’t die from Parkinson’s, you die with Parkinson’s.”
Over the past two decades, Fox has dedicated his efforts to raising over $1.5 billion for Parkinson’s research. Notably, the Michael J. Fox Foundation recently made a groundbreaking discovery of a specific biomarker for Parkinson’s, revolutionizing the speed and efficacy of diagnosis and treatment.
To gain a comprehensive understanding of the ongoing research and witness Fox’s unwavering optimism for the future, we invite you to watch the full interview below.
