Michael J. Fox: His moving appeal for the World Parkinson’s Day

At the age of around 30, Michael J. Fox (63) received the devastating diagnosis: Parkinson’s. What started in 1991 for the “Back to the Future” star became a lifelong struggle, which he does not lead alone. Since the foundation of his “Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research”, the actor tirelessly campaigned for research against the tricky illness. For World Parkinson’s Day, he now turned to his followers with moving words.

In a video that his foundation and himself share on Instagram, the Hollywood star is emotional. “I am so grateful to you all. We made a big difference in the life of the patients and gave them a voice,” says Fox. “This is nothing that I take lightly. And I really appreciate it when I look around and see everyone and realize that you don’t take it lightly. It is a real commitment, and together we will make it together,” explains the actor in an event at an event of his foundation.

Also in the text on the video, the 62-year-old emphasizes the enormous progress that has been made since the foundation of his foundation: “Parkinson’s research is experiencing a crucial moment. When the ‘Michael J. Fox Foundation’ opened its doors in 2000, we could never have imagined how far (and how quickly) we would make progress.”

The actor special thanks to “The millions of patients, families, scientists and supporters who help to change the situation.” That shows “the power of what is possible when we act together.” Despite all the successes, it is clear to Fox: “The work is far from over. Our goal is to heal Parkinson’s and close our doors as soon as possible.”

Fox hit the disease at the peak of his successful career. He noticed the first symptoms during the filming of the comedy “On the hard tour” when his little finger started to tremble. For years he then hid his symptoms until he finally made his diagnosis public in 1998. Since then he has been using his awareness to draw attention to the disease and to promote research.