The Michael J. Fox Foundation is the largest private funder of Parkinson’s research. The Hollywood actor has now been honored in Munich for his commitment.
Hollywood actor Michael J. Fox (“Back to the Future”) has been honored with a newly created award at the “Bits & Pretzels HealthTech” start-up festival. The 61-year-old, who suffers from Parkinson’s disease, accepted the “Frontier Award” personally in Munich from the doctor and TV presenter Eckart von Hirschhausen.
Fox, who was recognized for his commitment to Parkinson’s research, also spoke about his condition: “I don’t want to cure Parkinson’s for myself, I want to cure Parkinson’s for the people in the future,” he said.
Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at the age of 29. According to his own statements, the actor hid his diagnosis from the public for seven years. “I was afraid they would stop laughing if they thought I was sick,” the comedy actor told the festival audience.
Over a billion dollars for research
His foundation, the Michael J. Fox Foundation, is now the largest private sponsor of Parkinson’s research worldwide – over a billion dollars have been raised for research in the last 23 years, he said.
“Bits & Pretzels HealthTech” is an offshoot of the start-up fair “Bits & Pretzels”, which has been taking place during the Oktoberfest in Munich for several years. This year, former US First Lady Michelle Obama will be the speaker.
Source: Stern
I am an author and journalist who has worked in the entertainment industry for over a decade. I currently work as a news editor at a major news website, and my focus is on covering the latest trends in entertainment. I also write occasional pieces for other outlets, and have authored two books about the entertainment industry.
