Entertainment icon Michael J. Fox doesn’t let his health issues keep him from doing what he loves. The Back to the Future star recently shared a health update with his fans, revealing some sad news. However, the actor doesn’t let his battle with Parkinson’s Disease get him down.
Michael J. Fox, 63, has been navigating his life around Parkinson’s Disease for more than three decades. In 1991, the actor was diagnosed at the age of 29 while filming Doc Hollywood when he began to notice his pinky twitching.
He kept his diagnosis private for years before going public in 1998. At first it was hard for him to accept. Still, after coming to terms with his condition Michael decided he wanted to spread awareness and became a prominent advocate for Parkinson’s disease research.
In 2002, Michael J. Fox established the world’s largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson’s drug development: The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Over the years, he has spoken about his experience with humor and optimism, appearing on numerous TV shows and documentaries.
On Saturday, Michael attended The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s annual gala, A Funny Thing Happened On the Way to Cure Parkinson’s. The gala is a family event for Fox, who was accompanied by his wife Tracy Pollan and their four adult children: son Sam and three daughters Aquinnah, Schuyler, and Esmé.
Michael J. Fox Confesses Things Are Hard At Times
Fox spoke with People Magazine during the event, revealing that at times, things can get very hard for him. However, he does his best to keep a sense of humor about it. Michael admits that his sense of humor is often dark, and there are some who don’t understand it.
“I gotta keep it intact.” Fox continued, saying that dark humor can bypass taboos about difficult topics, saying, “Let’s embrace that and make a difference.”
Michael also thanked all of his close celebrity friends for showing up to help support the cause. This year’s event was hosted by Denis Leary, and the entertainment was headed by legendary singer Stevie Nicks.
The event raised $116 million for Parkinson’s research, and Michael J. Fox also showed off his guitar skills with a performance on stage. “I can’t believe — a lot of these people I’ve known for years and years — they’re so kind to me,” Fox stated. “I think because they see an opportunity for a win, for a big advancement, and that’s what we’re working toward.”
However, according to Radar Online, Michael’s days are not always good. The actor tires quickly and seemingly struggles at times, so much so that Michael opted to conserve his energy during the photo sessions and sat in a chair on the Red Carpet.
Michael J. Fox admits that his day-to-day symptoms are getting tougher. Parkinson’s Disease is a progressive brain disorder that causes uncontrollable movements, stiffness, and balance problems. Fox says that over the years, he has broken several bones, and falling has become a serious issue for him.
“You eventually come to a place where you go, ‘I can do this.’ This is just the way it is. It’s something that happened to me. It’s not something I’m suffering from. For me, it’s my reality,” Michael reveals.
Despite everything, Michael says he continues to manage his symptoms through a balanced lifestyle that includes exercise, medication, positive thinking, and maintaining a support network of people around him. He is not giving up his day-to-day fight.
It hasn’t been an easy battle, but Michael J. Fox claims he tries to keep a positive attitude and is determined to live his life to the fullest. He is and remains an inspiration to not only those who are fighting the same battles, but to everyone.
