Michael J. Fox is opening up about his health. The 65-year-old actor continues living with Parkinson’s disease and says the condition has become harder to manage over the years. But he remains hopeful that researchers are getting closer to finding a cure.
Fox first experienced Parkinson’s symptoms at age 29. He made his diagnosis public in 1998 and founded the Michael J. Fox Foundation in 2000 to support research. The organization has now funded more than $3 billion in Parkinson’s research. His latest comments come as he receives the Lasker-Bloomberg Public Service Award for his Parkinson’s advocacy.
From living with Parkinson’s to leading the search for a cure
Fox has continued to put his experience with Parkinson’s toward helping researchers find better treatments. While the disease has brought increasing challenges, including tremors and balance issues, he remains committed to the foundation’s mission.
In an interview with People, the Back to the Future actor admitted, “Of course, things have gotten harder over the years.” However, he added, “I’m privileged to commit my time and energy to bringing everything I’ve got to help cure this disease.”
The Canadian-American actor’s optimism comes from the progress he has witnessed in Parkinson’s research. He said, “Science is showing we’re getting close.” Fox added that the researchers are seeing “more research breakthroughs every year, new drugs to help patients live well, and better tools to help scientists move faster.”
The foundation has now funded more than $3 billion in research and is preparing to launch another major fundraising campaign. Fox hopes to raise an additional $2.5 billion to continue supporting research into Parkinson’s and potential treatments.
The actor acknowledged that finding a cure will take time, and said, “Science is hard. It’s astronomically expensive. It takes time and collaboration.” However, he remains confident in the goal: “We don’t know exactly when it’ll happen, but it will happen.”
Fox’s latest recognition also reflects the impact of his advocacy. The Lasker Foundation says Fox and his foundation have helped raise awareness of Parkinson’s and support research into the disease.
Originally reported on ComingSoon.
