Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research Reaches More Than $1 Billion Raised

By Darby Jones October 19, 2021

At just age 29, Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, so he created a foundation that raises money to fund research aimed at finding a cure. The foundation just reached a milestone of $1 billion raised.

Michael J. Fox moved from his home country of Canada to the United States around 40 years ago as he followed his dream of becoming an actor. He booked a McDonald’s commercial in 1980 and then was cast on the popular show “Family Ties.” Throughout his four decades in entertainment, Fox has won five Emmys, two Golden Globes and two SAG awards.

However, at just 29 years old, Fox was told he had Parkinson’s disease in 1991. After announcing his diagnosis to the public, Fox created the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research to help fund research for therapies and cures. The organization just reached a major milestone — over $1 billion has been raised.

Oct. 23rd marks the 20-year anniversary celebration of the foundation — the event was postponed for one year due to the pandemic. “All I wanted to do was book that McDonalds commercial,” the now 60-year-old Fox recalls about his start in Hollywood. “I didn’t know I’d be trying to find a cure for Parkinson’s.”

While there is not a cure for the disease yet, Fox says his foundation has directly helped form several therapies. “They are therapies that have made life a lot better for a lot of people,” he told Variety. “I enjoy life more. I’m more comfortable in my skin than I was 20 years ago. I can sit down and be calm. I couldn’t do that 25 years ago. That’s the medications, the drug cocktails and therapies that we’ve been a part of.”

“I just want to get this done,” he says about finding a cure. “I’m committed to this. I won’t stop until it happens.”

Image source: The Sun