Spotlight on Parkinson's: Incurable Optimism

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 curve ball 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:

"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 its 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.

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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.

Parkinson's Research: Support At Sea Hands Down Inspiring Dentist Drink Up For A Cure Walking The Walk