CLEVELAND - Michael J. Fox is one of my all-time favorite actors in both television and film. He is also one of the most inspirational people I have ever seen.Seriously.
Fox, 47 was the very popular and successful star of two hit television series; Family Ties (1982-89) and Spin City (1996-00) as well as the headliner of the Back to the Future trilogy. He was stunningly diagnosed with early onset Parkinson's Disease in 1991, but waited a full seven years to disclose the life-altering information to the public. He has since largely abandoned his acting career in front of the camera in favor of a relentless dedication to finding a cure for this debilitating disease.
He's doing a heck of a job.
What impresses me most about Fox is his amazing resiliency, faith and optimism. He continuously displays a sharp wit and a remarkably self-deprecating sense of humor in spite of the involuntary shaking and compromised motor skills that he has been saddled with for years. He insists that the disease is a blessing and that it has only enhanced his life in spite of the litany of everyday simple tasks that have become major challenges.
Fox's wife, Tracy Pollan has been by his side through it all. They met in the 1980's on the set of Family Ties and have been married for over 20 years. Together, they have four children which is the primary source of joy for Fox. This past week, he appeared on The Oprah Show, The Late Show with David Letterman and Good Morning America and each time displayed an unprecedented candor and acceptance of his condition. He doesn't want sympathy, nor does he feel sorry for himself or long for the days prior to his diagnosis.
He just wants to enjoy life. Flat-out.
I applaud the man for being grateful and upbeat in this very challenging state. I am also happy that President Obama lifted the ban on federal financing for embryonic stem-cell research, which may very well lead to a cure in the very near future. Fox is thrilled about that as well, but the pivotal decision by the president didn't exactly make Fox's day.
His day was already full of blessings. Just ask him.
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