Michael J. Fox has made a heartbreaking admission about his Parkinson’s diagnosis, which he received when he was only 29.
He’s been defying expectations
Having been diagnosed with Parkinson’s at 29 years old, Michael J. Fox, who is now 64, has spent most of his career defying expectations.
In recent years, the Back to the Future star has co-written a memoir, Future Boy, and appeared alongside Harrison Ford in Apple TV’s Shrinking.
He’s also a strong advocate for research
Through his Michael J. Fox Foundation, the actor has also remained a strong advocate for Parkinson’s research.
The foundation has raised more than $2 billion to date for advancing research of the disease.
Fox shared his biggest challenge to date
Speaking to the Sunday Times more than three decades after being diagnosed, Fox said that he no longer walks regularly due to risk of serious injury.
He explained that years of performing high-energy stunts on sets have left lasting damage on his body.
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It makes him at risk of breaking bones
Fox explained, “And that’s [the point] where I break stuff, it’s absolutely incredible the stuff I broke. In a three-year period I broke my elbow, I broke my hand, I got a big infection in my hand and I almost lost my finger.”
Fox has had to slow down for his health
The actor explained that such a physical toll has caused him to slow down for the sake of his health.
“I take it easy now, I don’t walk that much anymore. I can walk but it’s not pretty and it’s a bit dangerous,” he admitted.
He tries to focus on what he can achieve
Despite such difficulties, Fox explained that he remains focused on what he can further achieve rather than what he has lost due to Parkinson’s.
He added, “I see other people’s work, and it makes me think that I might be able to find something that’s for me as an actor and as a writer….And as a parent, husband and friend, I have a lot left to do.”
Fox tries to remain optimistic
In a recent interview with People, Fox also expressed he tries to stay optimistic about the everyday challenges.
He said, “I wake up and get the message of what the day is gonna be like, and I try to adjust to it.”
He had to get used to it
The beloved actor explained that the progression of his Parkinson’s has made him constantly have to adjust to new challenges.
Fox shared, “I keep getting new challenges physically, and I get through it. I roll around in a wheelchair a lot, and it took some getting used to.”
