We know him by his famous character Marty McFly from Back To The Future and many other award-winning roles. But it’s not only acting that defines Michael J. Fox. He is also an activist and a writer, who keeps making difference in this world. And our favorite actor, definitely, did not plan all this before he got the news about the disease that shocked him and gave the motivation at the same time.
Fox started to experience Parkinson’s disease early symptoms in 1991 and got diagnosed with it a year later. This illness means that some of the brain cells die and cause trembling, slow movements, difficulty with talking and walking, dementia, and other problems. When this news hit Michael, he was 30 years old and he didn’t make it public for 7 years. He had some rough times overcoming it, getting operation, trying medications and getting used to the thought that this is something he has to live with.
It was really hard for him, but now he is an excellent example of a fighter for many others out there. In 2000, he founded The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.
It seeks funds and investments to achieve a goal of finding a cure and improve the therapies for those who live with it now. What’s more, Michael wrote two amazing books Lucky Man and Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist. They became best-sellers and showed Michael’s inspiring positive attitude. He says:
I think the key to my optimism was accepting my situation [as a person with Parkinson’s]. When I saw it as just one of the things I was dealing with, then I could see the room around it.
Michael J. Fox is 56 now; he has his beloved wife, four kids that support him, and he cherishes every moment. And despite all the odds, he leads a healthy and active lifestyle.
I can’t run marathons anymore, but I hike and have a dog who walks me.
That’s why fans all over the world are fond of him. This man is not only fighting his disease and showing others how to live a better life with it. He also tries his best to find the cure and change the world. This is a real example of a strong and optimistic person.
