Actor and advocate Michael J. Fox continues to inspire through his unwavering spirit and determination in his decades-long journey with Parkinson's disease, maintaining his characteristic humor even while facing daily challenges.
At the recent A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Cure Parkinson's gala in New York City, Fox, 63, opened up about the importance of preserving his darker sense of humor, though he admits it can be challenging. "I gotta keep it intact," the actor emphasized during the star-studded fundraising event.
The annual gala, which has raised an impressive $116 million for Parkinson's research to date, brought together supporters including music icon Stevie Nicks. The Fleetwood Mac singer, 76, praised Fox's resilience and dedication, noting "He just keeps going." Nicks highlighted Fox's early diagnosis and how he transformed it into a platform for change rather than stepping away from the spotlight.
Fox, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's in 1991 and went public in 1998, established The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) in 2001. The organization has since raised $2 billion for research and patient advocacy. During a 2023 CBS Mornings interview, Fox explained his motivation: "They didn't have money, they didn't have a voice, and I thought, I could step in for these people and raise some hell."
The actor's continued advocacy work has drawn praise from fellow celebrities and supporters. "He's such a lovely guy. He could have just given up on all this kind of thing a long time ago and he didn't," Nicks remarked, calling his dedication "magical."
At the gala, Fox expressed gratitude for the ongoing support from long-time friends and advocates. "I can't believe — a lot of these people I've known for years and years — they're so kind to me," he shared, adding that their commitment stems from seeing "an opportunity for a win, for a big advancement."
Through his foundation's work and personal example, Fox continues to shine a light on Parkinson's research while maintaining the wit and charm that have defined his public persona throughout his career.
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