REAL LIFE
Michael J. Fox talks about his life with Parkinson and makes a sad revelation
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Michael J. Fox talks about Parkinson's disease
Actor Michael J. Fox, whom the whole world knows best for the 'Back to the Future' film saga, has returned to talk about Parkinson's disease, an illness he has been battling since he was diagnosed in 1990.
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The CBS interview
Interviewed by CBS, Michael J. Fox said that his battle with Parkinson's is becoming increasingly difficult and that he is suffering more and more every day. The actor revealed that he has suffered several injuries and broken bones caused by falls and that he also had a benign tumour on his spine.
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A sad admission of awareness
The actor went on to say: 'You don't die of Parkinson's, but you die with Parkinson's. I'm not going to make it to 80'. In spite of this sad realisation, Michael J. Fox remains optimistic and further states: 'I recognise how difficult it is for people and I recognise how difficult it is for me, but I have a certain set of skills that allow me to deal with these things and I realise, with gratitude, that optimism is sustainable. If you can find something to be thankful for, then you find something to look forward to and move forward'.
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The latest news from research
On the research side, the actor commented on the latest news regarding Parkinson's disease, in particular the discovery of a biomarker: 'This changes everything. In five years, doctors will be able to tell if you have it, they will be able to tell if you ever get it, and we will know how to treat it'.
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The fundraising foundation
The actor is at the forefront of Parkinson's disease research. He founded the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research in 2000, which has raised more than $1.75 billion for research funding.
