Michael J. Fox is one of the most inspiring people in the world.
Whether you know him as Alex P. Keaton or Marty McFly, this 80s star has become a household name in television and movies.
Michael’s career started with the sitcom Family Ties in 1982, followed by his famous role in Back to the Future in 1985.
His young career was the biggest foundation for becoming the star he is now.
Michael J. Fox continued his stellar career and starred in other hit movies and shows like Spin City, The Frighteners, Stuart Little, and his own Michael J. Fox show.
But with all that limelight, Michael found himself in the biggest hurdle – his lifelong battle with Parkinson’s Disease.
In 1991, Michael was diagnosed with the disease at the young age of 29.
Parkinson’s Disease is an incurable degenerative brain disorder that causes unintended movements like stiffness, shaking, tremors, and slurred speech.
The disease mostly develops at 60, but 5-10% of cases happen before 50.
This led to his early dedication to funding research about the disease.
He launched the Michael J. Fox Foundation in 2000, dedicated to researching in understanding the disease, finding treatment, and developing therapies for those suffering from it.
They recently found a breakthrough when researchers discovered a biomarker that can help in early detection of the disease and, hopefully, a step closer to finding a cure.
In a recent interview with CBS Sunday Morning’s Jane Pauley, Michael gave an update about his condition.
“Every time I see you. I can see it’s taken a little bit more of something,” Jane said.
“I’m not gonna lie; it’s getting harder. It’s getting tougher. Every day gets tougher. But that’s the way it is. I mean, who do I see about that?” Michael said about how his symptoms progressed through the years.
He’s been suffering from the disease for 32 years but never backed down.
Michael continued to live his life despite the challenges.
He shared that he had an operation to remove a benign spine tumor, which worsened his condition.
His movements and balance became more unstable, stating that he often falls on his feet, breaking a few bones in both arms and face.
But even that could not bring him down.
Michael J. Fox continues to inspire others today through his works; the most recent is his documentary ‘Still.’
It highlights his life, works, and his decades-long battle with Parkinson’s Disease.
Here, people would see how the disease changed his life and how he still managed to enjoy the same things.
It also shows his life at home with his wife and children.
‘Still’ is Michael’s nod to his condition, making him not stay still, but Jane added it could also mean “Still here. Still committed.” Michael STILL keeps on keeping on.
But what keeps Michael J. Fox going? Something to look forward to.
“I recognize how hard this is for people, and I recognize how hard it is for me. But I have a certain set of skills that allow me to deal with this stuff. And I realized, with gratitude, optimism is sustainable. And if you can find something to be grateful for, then you can find something to look forward to, and you carry on,” Michael closed.
Get your tissues ready and watch this heartwarming interview in the video below!
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