Michael J Fox on Staying Positive After Terrible Loss ‘Shed
Michael J. Fox, a beloved actor and philanthropist, won millions over with his charm and acting talent.
But Parkinson’s disease has deeply affected his life.
Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1991 at age 29.
He kept it private at first but went public in 1998.
Since then, he’s become a strong advocate for Parkinson’s awareness and research.
Fox used his fame to spotlight Parkinson’s, making a big impact on the community.
He raised awareness about the daily struggles people with the disease face.
Despite major health challenges, he kept working in entertainment and showed remarkable resilience.
In 2000, he founded the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
It’s now a leading organization focused on finding a cure.
Through his foundation, Fox has raised millions for research and helped advance Parkinson’s understanding and treatments.
His dedication earned him many honors, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2020.
He’s made a lasting impact on both entertainment and medical research.
Michael J. Fox’s journey with Parkinson’s inspires many.
He’s faced tough challenges with grace, humor, and a drive to help others.
His advocacy brings hope to those living with the disease and their families.
Fox’s legacy goes beyond acting—it includes his mission to improve lives and find a cure for Parkinson’s.
He also spoke about the loss of his 92-year-old mother, Phyllis, who passed away in September.
Fox credits his positive outlook to her.
He’s embraced that mindset throughout his three-decade battle with Parkinson’s.
“My mum had a long and fulfilling life,” Fox, 61, said.
“There was no more revered woman. She was a lovely lady.
You always felt you’d be treated fairly.
And she loved to laugh—she laughed all the time.”
Phyllis was worried when Fox told her about his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 1991 at age 29.
“I was still working in TV and movies and building a family when I launched the foundation,” he said.
Fox married actress Tracy Pollan in 1988.
Their son Sam was born in 1989 and is now 33.
They welcomed twin daughters, Aquinnah and Schuyler, in 1995—they’re now 27.
Their youngest, Esmé, was born in 2001 and is now 21.
“When she asked how I managed it all, I told her, ‘I just go forward,’” Fox said.
“I don’t dwell on what won’t happen.
My mum was the same.
She never focused on losses—she always looked at the benefits.”
Fox credits his resilience to lessons from his mother and father, William, who died in 1990.
Fox and his four siblings supported each other growing up as military kids.
William served 25 years in the Canadian forces.
Phyllis held the family together.
“Army wives are adaptation masters,” Fox said.
“They know how to handle new situations, set up the house and schools, and find side jobs.
Military pay was low.
We didn’t get it as kids, but now I understand.”
The actor has raised over $1.5 billion for Parkinson’s research through his foundation.
He admits his optimism took a hit last year.
He suffered fractures in his hand, shoulder, right arm, and elbow.
But today, he’s upbeat and “rocking and rolling” as he recovers.
“My injuries are finally healing; my arm feels great,” he says.
“Life is fascinating. This is what you get.”
In tough moments, Fox recalls a motto he created during recovery from spinal cord surgery in 2018.
“If I find thankfulness in anything I do or any situation, it changes everything,” the actor says.
“It opens the door to grace and something great happening.
I’m just getting back into that groove, and it feels very good.”
