Michael J Fox on his Parkinson’s: “Acceptance isn’t resignation”

Perspectives

Author: Joe McAweaneyPublished: 24 May 2017

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Michael J Fox discusses his positive outlook on Parkinson’s with his Foundation’s CEO, Todd Sherer, and neurologist Dr Bill Marks at high-profile ‘Talks at Google’ series

Michael J Fox has reflected on his Parkinson’s and how he feels “empowered by the truth”, in an interview held as part of the ‘Talks at Google Verily Grand Rounds’ speaker series.

Joined by Todd Sherer, CEO of the Michael J Fox Foundation, the ‘Back to the Future’ star said; “I live with an acceptance and not an expectation. But acceptance isn’t resignation, it’s acknowledging the truth and being empowered by it.”

In the hour-long talk the Parkinson’s campaigner discussed his unshakeable optimism, a trait that has regularly earned him praise from the Parkinson’s community.

“I’m just a happy guy, I look at life as endless opportunity. I wake up every day curious and think what is this day going to bring me? What are the possibilities in this day and what are the outcomes I might see?”

The conference, hosted by neurologist Dr Bill Marks, was well-received and met by a standing ovation from the audience.

Watch the full video below.

Despite being diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1992, it was not until 1998 that Fox decided to go public with his condition in an interview with People magazine. Since then the Canadian actor has been working to fund Parkinson’s research, alongside his television roles.

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Michael J Fox on his Parkinson’s: “Acceptance isn’t resignation”

Perspectives

Author: Joe McAweaneyPublished: 24 May 2017

Prep: Cook: Serves:

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Europe

Scientific art: stunning Parkinson’s photos reveal beauty of the brain

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Kim Petrie: “How I raised $250,000 for Parkinson’s research”

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Could physical therapy be the future of specialised Parkinson’s care in Brazil?

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Could a specialised smartwatch support people with Parkinson’s disease?

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Michael J Fox on his Parkinson’s: “Acceptance isn’t resignation”

Perspectives

Author: Joe McAweaneyPublished: 24 May 2017

Last Month

Next Month

Share this story

Comments

Related articles

Europe

Scientific art: stunning Parkinson’s photos reveal beauty of the brain

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Kim Petrie: “How I raised $250,000 for Parkinson’s research”

In my country

Could physical therapy be the future of specialised Parkinson’s care in Brazil?

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Could a specialised smartwatch support people with Parkinson’s disease?

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