Michael J. Fox recently shared a heartfelt message about his ongoing struggle with Parkinson’s disease, shedding light on the increasing challenges he faces. He also called for support and prayers from his well-wishers.
At the onset of this year, the highly anticipated documentary showcasing the life of the beloved actor Michael J. Fox premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in Park City. Produced by the renowned Oscar-winning filmmaker Davis Guggenheim, this film recounts the journey of the actor who achieved stardom in the 1980s with memorable roles in iconic films such as “Back to the Future” and TV series like “Family Ties.”
The documentary also had a special screening at the South by Southwest (SXSW) Film Festival in Austin, Texas, where Michael, accompanied by his wife Tracy Pollen, participated in a Q&A session. During this discussion, he opened up about his life with Parkinson’s disease, a condition he was diagnosed with at the tender age of 29.
Michael’s diagnosis occurred shortly after his marriage to Tracy and the birth of their first child. Tracy has steadfastly stood by his side, providing unwavering support. Together, they are committed to navigating the challenges posed by Michael’s condition and actively raising funds for Parkinson’s disease research. In 1998, he made his condition public and semi-retired from acting two years later due to the deterioration of his health. It was a long and arduous journey for a young Michael to come to terms with his reality, but he ultimately decided to make the most out of life despite the adversity imposed by the disease.
“Parkinson’s is a formidable adversary, but life remains precious, and I am grateful for it,” the actor remarked. “Self-pity is a benign form of cruelty. While I could feel sorry for myself, I refuse to indulge in it. There are lessons to be gleaned from this experience, so let us focus on that and move forward,” he continued. “My fans have essentially given me my life, and I wanted to give them my time and gratitude. It has been uplifting to hear from all of you.”
In the past, the star of “Spin City” spoke about his decision to continue making movies following his diagnosis, stating, “I have no regrets. You do what is necessary, but you must also preserve your well-being. That’s when I decided to step back.” Michael and his wife established the Michael J. Fox Foundation with the goal of funding research to find a cure for Parkinson’s disease. Presently, the foundation stands as the world’s largest nonprofit contributor to Parkinson’s disease research. His commitment to helping fellow sufferers earned him a spot on Time Magazine’s 2007 list of 100 individuals “whose influence, talent, or moral example is changing the world.”
Despite his ongoing involvement in the entertainment industry post-diagnosis, his contributions were primarily focused on lending his voice to characters in motion pictures such as “Stuart Little” and Disney’s “Atlantis: The Lost Empire.” Furthermore, he has penned four literary works: “Lucky Man: A Personal Odyssey” (2002), “Ever Upward: Overcoming Life’s Challenges with Positivity” (2009), “A Curious Journey: Insights for the Modern Explorer” (2010), and his most recent publication, “Timeless Reflections: Wisdom Gleaned from Life’s Unpredictable Path,” unveiled on November 17, 2021.
Recently, he engaged in a frank discussion about his life, underscoring that, in spite of his earnest attempts to project optimism regarding his condition, the circumstances are growing progressively demanding. “I won’t sugarcoat it; the challenges are mounting, considerably so,” Fox conveyed during his conversation with Jane Pauley, the anchor of CBS Sunday Morning. “Each day brings fresh obstacles. But that’s the unvarnished truth. I mean, to whom can I seek for solutions?”
He also touched on the spinal cord surgery he had to undergo, saying, “[I] fractured this arm, that arm, my elbow, my face, my hand,” Fox recounted to Pauley. “You don’t succumb to Parkinson’s; you live alongside it,” he concluded. “I’ve been reflecting on its inevitability… I won’t reach 80. I won’t. I’m in constant agony. Every tremor feels like an earthquake.” The actor shared, “The pain isn’t so much from the movement as it is from the absence of movement. When you freeze, that immobility is saturated with intense energy, turning into a burning, impending force that never manifests.”
“I don’t wish to elicit sympathy. I’ve endured numerous injuries – broken hand, elbow, humerus, shoulder, face, and more. All of this is exacerbated by the tremors’ electrical charge. Yes, it’s excruciating, but you come to realize that no one really cares. It’s simply life. You tough it out and move forward. Perhaps there’s a story to be told in it, but that’s all it is. There’s no receipt you can present at a window for a refund.”
Despite the myriad challenges in his life, Michael assured his fans that he’s not going anywhere. “The darkness doesn’t run so deep that it drives me to harm myself… it always circles back to a point where I think, ‘There’s more to celebrate in my life than to mourn.’ The pain speaks for itself. You either endure it or you don’t. And I’m not going anywhere.”
Michael J. Fox remains an extraordinary actor and individual, and we extend our heartfelt wishes for his well-being in the years ahead. Please SHARE this article with your loved ones on Facebook.