Michael J Fox’s career took a dramatic turn when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and he has recently shared his thoughts on how he envisions his passing.
Fox has enjoyed a long and successful acting career, despite the challenges posed by his condition. Known best for his iconic role as Marty McFly in the Back to the Future films, he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1991 when he was just 29 years old. He has been open about his journey with the disease, frequently emphasizing the need for awareness and advancements in treatment.
Through his Michael J Fox Foundation, he has impressively raised over $2 billion for research related to Parkinson’s.
Despite the transparency with which he discusses the disease, Fox has expressed a clear preference for how he wishes to face the end of his life. While promoting his memoir, “Future Boy,” he shared his hope for a peaceful departure from this world.
He stated: “There are not many people who have had Parkinson’s for 35 years. I’d like to just not wake up one day. That’d be really cool. I don’t want it to be dramatic. I don’t want to trip over furniture, smash my head.”
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological disorder impacting movement and coordination. It typically manifests with symptoms such as involuntary tremors, rigid muscles, and slowed movement.
The progression of Parkinson’s varies, with many experiencing issues like balance instability, fatigue, sleep issues, depression, anxiety, and cognitive challenges to different extents.
Fox has expressed gratitude for the extra years he’s had, despite the daily struggles.
In a recent conversation with People, he remarked: “I wake up and get the message of what the day is gonna be like, and I try to adjust to it. 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.”
Fox’s perspective on his condition has evolved, and he no longer views it as a negative force in his life.
Speaking with Entertainment Tonight, he reflected: “After 35 years or something since I’ve been diagnosed, this is just my life and I don’t think about it much. I’m thinking about what we’re going to do as a community to figure this out and find a cure – and short of a cure, [create] treatment centres that are really groundbreaking.”