"I am now out of lemonade business."

Michael J. Fox believes that a cure is possible for Parkinson's disease soon... but it won't be soon enough.

The 60-year old accepted that the disease would not be eradicated in his lifetime, according to a new interview with AARP.

He said, "As I wrote my latest book," that he was now out of lemonade business. I'm very blunt with people about possible cures. When asked if I think I'll be cured of Parkinson's disease in my lifetime, they respond that I'm 60 and science is difficult. So, no.'"

Yet, the "Back to the Future” star remains optimistic, referring to his unwavering love for his family and the privileges that his successful career has brought.

He said, "But, it's difficult to explain to people just how fortunate I am, since I also have Parkinsons." Some days are difficult. Some days are easier than others. The disease is a part of my life, but it's not the driver.

"And because of my assets, I have access other people don't have." My experience is not comparable to the one of a man who has Parkinson's and must quit his job to find a new life. "I'm truly lucky."

"I am a bit of a freak. He admitted that it was strange that he has done so well for so long. People often view Parkinson's disease as a visual problem, but it is not. It's not what you see, but what you don't have is an inner gyroscope or sense of balance. "I mean that I can sail a ship through stormy seas on the best of days."

He described how he got out of the "dark hole" that he was in after he had a spinal surgery and learned to walk again. However, he fell at his home and broke his left arm.

He said, "For one, I am genuinely happy guy." "I don’t have any morbid thoughts in my head -- and I don’t fear death." None at all

"But, as I got through that darkness, I had an insight into my father-in law, who had died and had always preached gratitude, acceptance, and confidence. And I began to notice the things I was grateful and how others would respond to difficulties with gratitude. I discovered that optimism is sustainable when there is gratitude.

He said, "And if it doesn't seem like you have much to be thankful for, keep looking." "Because you don't just receive optimism. It's not possible to wait for everything to go well and then be thankful for it. "You have to act in a way that encourages that."

Two other people were credited with pulling him out of his darkness: Muhammad Ali, a fellow Parkinson's patient and friend, and Marty McFly.

"Back to the Future!" It's incredible that more people of all ages approach me about the movie now than ever before," he stated. "I don't know why. It was then that I saw it on TV last Christmas. It was a great movie. I felt like I was a better actor than I thought. Importantly, I felt the spirit of the movie.

"I was able to understand that it was just a giggle, and that we all need -- I mean the readers of this magazine -- to take credit and be proud of what we have done and the lives that we have touched. It's also important to sometimes step back and see that life is full of great things and that there's so much more to do.

He continued: "Muhammad Ali helped me, too. Because I was younger and healthier, I avoided watching TV when I was younger. I also didn't have Parkinson's. Ali was someone I became friends with, so I wondered what Ali thought. Before Parkinson's, he was a stunning athlete."

"So, I asked his wife Lonnie, after he had died, if he ever viewed recordings of his fights. She said that he watched the fights for hours. He loved it! It was a great piece of graffiti. I think it's a legacy. Some graffiti leaves a message that encourages positivity.

He has raised over a billion dollars to fund research into a possible cure. Scientists are making progress in finding biomarkers to flag the disease before it sets in, he said.

He said, "When I was first diagnosed, I spent seven year keeping it to myself, not sharing it with anybody, and later I realized that others were isolated and didn’t have a central unifying power that would be their advocate."

"So, now, in addition to pushing hard on science through the foundation. I am also a motivator. I try to normalize Parkinson's and remove any shame or feeling that it should remain hidden. It will, unfortunately, eventually, reveal itself."

"There will always people who ask me why you keep telling me about it." "The fact that I exist is proof of the disease. And I'm not going candy coat it for people."

Fox continued acting for over three decades even after his diagnosis. He often channeled his condition into the characters he was playing, such as the unscrupulous lawyer from "The Good Wife," who used his symptoms in order to influence juries. He recalled that he loved the idea of disabled people being a-holes.

"When I was unable to act in the same way as I used to, I discovered new ways to act. Then I realized that I could no longer rely on my ability speak at any given time, so I couldn’t act comfortably. Last year, I quit.

He said that one of his professional regrets was not being approached about Ghost, but he did not pursue it. However, he acknowledged: "Now, I can't envision Patrick Swayze doing this."

When asked what advice he would give to people with Parkinson's disease, he said: "Live an active lifestyle and don't let yourself become isolated or marginalized." It is possible to live with it.

People sometimes believe that someone died from Parkinson's because they have a relative, parent or friend. You don't die of Parkinson's. You can live with Parkinson’s until you get it under control. We are working hard to make that happen. To live with it, you must exercise regularly and eat healthy. Find a way to get around if you are unable to drive. Keep your friendships. Do not say, "Oh, Bob, I have nothing to say." Bob may have something to share with you. Make the call.

Fox, who was honored by AARP with the 2022 Purpose Award last month, spoke about his hopes and dreams for his legacy. He cited his children's positive impact on the world, his acting career, any Parkinson's patient he has helped, and one other impressive claim.

He said, "Beyond this -- and this is kinda a vanity thing -- many great guitarists have come to me over the decades and said that they picked up the instrument because of the John B. Goode scene in "Back to the Future". "John Mayer was the first person I ever got to pick up the guitar in my life!"

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Title: Michael J. Fox Accepts Parkinson's Will Not Be Cured in His Lifetime
Sourced From: toofab.com/2021/11/30/michael-j-fox-on-living-happily-with-parkinsons/
Published Date: Tue, 30 Nov 2021 19:17:01 +0000

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