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Spotlight on Parkinson's: Incurable Optimism

By Caroline Walker | Friday, April 3, 2009 9:50 AM ET

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While I'm beyond sure that he has heard enough Michael P. Keaton and 1.21 Jigowatt references to last a lifetime ("Great Scott!"), that's not going to stop me from singing the praises of a philanthropic icon and inspiration whose career started out as a pop culture staple of my youth. Who didn't fawn for the Republican smarty-pants from one of prime-time's most beloved shows of the 80s, "Family Ties?" Give me a time-traveling cutie on a hoverboard any day and I'm done for.

Childhood crushes aside -- the entertainer in question, the one and only Michael J. Fox, saw fate throw him a curveball well after decades of successful acting gigs made him a star. You are no doubt familiar with the Parkinson's diagnosis that forced him to make a decision: recoil from the limelight and battle the disease in privacy, or use his celebrity to educate and advocate for research, treatment and awareness. In 1998, seven years after he was first diagnosed, he chose the latter. The rest is history (in the making).

April is Parkinson's Awareness Month, and the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research is teaming up with Tonic to make sure that powerful, inspirational stories are told and readers learn the facts. Our goal is to arm you with solid information on how to take action. The Foundation isn't just another think-tank or money pit, as many philanthropic efforts in the medical research field can become. The New York Times explained how its work extends above and beyond the slew of existing Parkinson's research foundations and charities:Michael J. Fox

"What makes the story of the Michael J. Fox Foundation different -- nay, what makes it important -- is that it doesn’t just dole out money to scientists and hope for the best... It demands accountability and information sharing that is almost unheard of in the broad scientific community. And it has managed to become, in its short seven-year life, the most credible voice on Parkinson’s research in the world."

So just what are the facts? The Foundation's Parkinson's 101 crash course fills us in:

  • Although misdiagnoses make exact numbers difficult to gauge, experts agree that nearly one million Americans -- and six million people worldwide -- are living with the disease.
  • Parkinson's is most commonly recognized for its effects on motor skills -- including tremors, slowed movement, poor balance and bodily rigidity -- but is also associated with dementia and mood disorders.
  • Parkinson's seems to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Unfortunately, no specific cause has yet been discovered.
  • The Michael J. Fox Foundation extensively researches existing Parkinson's research programs and funds only those that meet their criteria and philosophy.
  • With over $142 million in research dollars awarded thus far, you can browse the list of funded grantees here.

If you didn't catch Michael's March 31 appearance on Oprah's show, you must check out the highlights here. Read an excerpt from his upcoming book "Always Looking Up - The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist." Find a walk-a-thon near you and register STAT to make sure you take part this month. (I'll be trudging along with other New Yorkers at the annual Unity Walk here in NYC!) And come back to Tonic all month for first-hand accounts of amazing people who are really living with Parkinson's.

Like Michael J. Fox, these people are not letting the disease slow them down.

_______________________________________________________________________________________

UPDATE: Be sure to check out these exclusive Tonic stories all part of our Parkinson's Walk coverage in collaboration with the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

Caroline Walker is Tonic's Senior Editor, fusing her experience with media production -- writing, editing, video production -- and nonprofit advocacy work.

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Comments (3)

Mandi Mason

219 days ago

I would like to hear from individuals and or families of individuals that have gone through the diagnosing phase. What are some the tell tell signs ya'll encountered.

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Janice Southorn

123 days ago

I would really like to be able to share my Father's story in living with his Parkinson's Disease. He died in 2007 after having the disease for thirty years. Although it was a few years before he was even diagnosed, Parkinson's Disease changed all of us in many ways in affects that were difficult to deal with as a family, but looking back we remained strong and together. Now I reflect on those times, the memories, my Father's and my Mother's strength, what held us together, but then inevitably took them from us. My Mother died one year later. I became a caregiver as an occupation and found it very rewarding taking care of both the elderly and seeing more Parkinson's and Alzheimer's patients. I wanted to make a difference. I have a brother that has volunteered and has become a Parkinson's Disease advocate. I would like to find some ways of sharing and letting people know more about PD, resources available to patients and families. If I could help more someday it would be rewarding and make me feel as though I have done something in my Father's memory, because of him. I have lost several close family members due to illness and life diseases in the past four years, including my Husband of 34 years who died of a sudden Heart attack at only 52 years old. Cancer, Parkinson's Disease, Heart disease and Diabetes have all played a major role. It has been so difficult to lose so many close family members semingly all at once. I would like to contact Michael J. Fox and write to him. I would like to thank him for his work and continued dedication to research, treatment and hopefully a cure soon. I would like to read his book and perhaps recieve the newsletter from the website. I recently saw Michael on a program about "Optimism" and what he has experienced. I wish I had taped it... I believe in educating ourselves more on the diseases that are prevalent in our country and the world. I am fascinated with research and use the net often for that purpose I think researching all aspects and possibilities is important to find, learn, treat and cure. Thank you so much for all you do MJF and the websites on Parkinson's Disease. Good bye for now, Janice

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Janice

123 days ago

Correction to the above... My Father Died in 2006, My Mother 2007. But I do remember his symptoms, the tremors the beginnings when he had changes and I do remember stress seemed to increase his symptoms. I know he was determined to beat it with a strong positive attitude though it depressed him at times to not be able to do some things easily. He was a proud man and in many ways needed to feel he could do things himself. I remember helping him to build a plane once and holding things in place for him so that he could build it like he always had, from the time he was a child he loved airplane and Flying. When he could no longer Fly it was difficult for him to accept but he did it with dignity and wrote about it instead... Though it came later on, the worst of it would be when he was on the floor and couldn't get back up so he would need help from one of us. But so many things he wanted to do still and I saw his pain in many ways. He remained strong for my Mother and all of us. He never gave up till the day he died and even then it was inspiring how he would communicate and his mind and soul remained strong.

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