Michael J. Fox was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s in 1991, when he was just 29. More than 30 years later, it’s clear he is a survivor. But in a CBS Sunday Morning interview, he said it’s unlikely he will reach his 80th birthday.
He described how the disease continues to eat away at his body, resulting in more accidents, falls, and injuries. “It sucks having Parkinson’s…for some families, some people, it’s a nightmare, it’s a living hell. They have to deal with realities that are beyond most people’s understanding.”
The actor has also been dealing with other serious health issues. He revealed that he recently had spinal surgery to have a tumor on his spine removed.
“It was benign, but it messed up my walking. And then, started to break stuff,” Fox explained that he broke both arms, his face, and his hand.
Gratitude
However, he also referred to Parkinson’s as a gift. He said he was fortunate to have the resources to deal with it and to live as long as he has.
He also continues to maintain a sense of humor. He upholds a positive attitude and a mantra of optimism and gratitude. He says he has a lot to be grateful for and that has given him something to look forward to.
“I recognize how hard this is for people and recognize how hard it is for me, but I have a certain set of skills that allow me to deal with this stuff and I realize, with gratitude, optimism is sustainable.
“If you can find something to be grateful for, then you find something to look forward to and you carry on,” he said.
Nearing the End
Fox is now 61 and thinks he won’t live another 20 years.
“All these subtle ways that get you, you don’t die from Parkinson’s, you die with (the condition). I’m not going to be 80. I won’t be 80.”
Fox has lived a full life. In addition to countless acting roles, he also founded the Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research which has raised $1.75 billion for research funding.
He shares 4 children with his wife, actress Tracy Pollan.