Michael J. Fox: How to Keep Going When Life Gives You Speed Bumps
Nov 13, 2018
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Michael J. Fox, diagnosed with young on-set Parkinson's Disease in 1991, changed the world's perception of Parkinson's. In this revealing conversation with Alan Alda, they discuss early diagnosis, acceptance, managing their condition through unique exercise regimens, finding strength in the present and loved ones, adapting to physical challenges, expressing oneself differently, early detection and prevention efforts, and their aversion to bullies and delivering bad news.
The Michael J. Fox Foundation has funded over $800 million in Parkinson's research programs, prioritizing quick funding to advance treatment options, slow down disease progression, and ultimately prevent Parkinson's.
Michael J. Fox emphasizes the importance of acceptance, positive changes, and seeking early medical advice for potential Parkinson's symptoms, such as tremors and changes in movement.
Deep dives
The Michael J. Fox Foundation funds Parkinson's research
The Michael J. Fox Foundation has funded over $800 million in Parkinson's research programs since its launch in 2000. The foundation prioritizes providing funding to researchers as quickly as possible to advance better treatment options, slow down Parkinson's progression, and ultimately prevent the disease. They do not maintain an endowment and instead focus on getting funds directly into the hands of researchers. To learn more about the foundation and get involved, visit michaeljfox.org.
Michael J. Fox's journey with Parkinson's
Michael J. Fox, a well-known actor, was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease at a young age. He shares his personal experience with the disease and how it has affected his life. Despite the challenges, he emphasizes the importance of acceptance and making positive changes. Fox highlights the need for early detection and encourages others to seek medical advice if they notice potential symptoms of Parkinson's, such as tremors and changes in movement.
The power of community and support
After going public with his Parkinson's diagnosis, Fox discovered a supportive community of individuals who shared similar experiences. He emphasizes the importance of not projecting assumptions onto those with Parkinson's but rather listening to their specific needs and experiences. Fox also appreciates the value of having a strong support system and the positive impact it has had on his journey with the disease.
The mission and impact of the Michael J. Fox Foundation
The Michael J. Fox Foundation focuses on funding scientific research to find better treatments and potential preventive measures for Parkinson's. They have raised over $100 million a year and are working towards a billion-dollar fundraising goal. The foundation's objective is to support scientific advancements that can detect and prevent the manifestation of Parkinson's symptoms, ultimately improving the lives of those affected by the disease.
Michael J. Fox was diagnosed with young on-set Parkinson's Disease in 1991. He threw himself into his work and fell into moments of depression and alcohol abuse. But, in 1998, when he went public with his story, he changed the way the world looked at Parkinson's Disease and has now raised nearly a billion dollars in research through the Michael J. Fox Foundation, which he founded. And he inspired many other people with the disease to not let it stop them -- including Alan Alda. Alan was diagnosed 3 years ago and recently went public with his own story about living with Parkinson's. In this exclusive interview, Alan and Michael join one another for a raw and revealing conversation, recorded live in Michael's apartment.
This episode is sponsored by Undeniably Dairy. To hear more stories about dairy farmers, visit UndeniablyDairy.org/Devoted