Created the most important fund for the study of brain disease.
Actor Michael J. Fox, who captivated the world in the 1980s comedy Family Ties and Back to the Future, received an honorary Oscar on Saturday for his work on Parkinson’s disease.
In 1991, Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s at the age of 29, a serious pathology of the central nervous system. The main symptoms of the disease include movement disorders, muscle rigidity (increased tone), and tremor at rest.
But the actor did not give up, but began to fight the disease. He gradually retired from acting and in 2000 founded the Michael J. Fox Foundation, which has since become the world’s largest non-profit Parkinson’s research and cure foundation. The fund has raised more than $1.5 billion since its inception.
«It’s very touching to stand here and accept your kindness,» the Canadian actor said onstage at the annual Governors Awards. At that moment, a hall of movie stars, including Tom Hanks and Jennifer Lawrence, gave him a standing ovation.
The actor received an award from the hands of a friend of Woody Harrelson: «He turned a frightening diagnosis into a bold mission.»
During the speech, Fox noted that the hardest part of his diagnosis was «battling uncertainty». The actor kept his diagnosis under wraps for years.because he «didn’t know if the audience would be able to laugh if they found out that he was fighting for a fulfilling life.»
I would like to close this story with the words of David Rubin, president of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts: «Michael J. Fox’s tireless research on Parkinson’s disease, combined with his boundless optimism, illustrates the impact of one person on changing the future of millions.»
Health and strength, old McFly!
