BACK TO THE FUTURE IN CRESCENDO

 “And in the end, it’s not the years in your life that count. It’s the life in your years.” – Abraham Lincoln.

In late 1999, Fox made the startling announcement that he had been battling Parkinson’s disease since 1991, and had even undergone brain surgery to alleviate tremors. Despite his tremendous career successes, Fox announced in early 2000 that he would leave Spin City, a show which he was also executive producer, to spend time with his family, and to concentrate on raising money and awareness for Parkinson’s disease – including the May 2000 launch of the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Fox won an Emmy and a Golden Globe for his final season, along with the respect and support of the entire Hollywood community.

To date, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research has funded more than $289 million in research, either directly or through partnerships. Eighty-five percent of all donations to the Foundation have been allocated directly to related research programs. Fox wholeheartedly believes that if there is a concentrated effort from the Parkinson’s community, elected representatives in Washington, DC, and (most importantly) the general public, researchers can pinpoint the cause of Parkinson’s and uncover a cure within our lifetime.

As Gandhi once said, “My life is my message.” Here’s to living life in crescendo.