Following a Back To The Future reunion at NYCC, a look at the Michael J Fox Foundation and Parkinson’s disease
Nearly 40 years after we were first introduced to the time-traveling duo - Doc Brown and Marty McFly - Christopher Lloyd and Michael J Fox reunited at the New York Comic Con this weekend.
The Back To The Future reunion comes as a stage musical based on the original movie is currently playing in London, with the plan to have it arrive on Broadway next year. Having attended the official reunion at NYCC on Saturday, the two actors shared an emotional hug on stage as Fox struggled with his Parkinsons-induced tremors and were greeted by a standing ovation from the audience.
The best.
— Rex Chapman🏇🏼 (@RexChapman) October 9, 2022
Michael J. Fox and Christopher Lloyd were reunited today in New York City at Comic Con…
pic.twitter.com/lD8BGkswBW
Michael J Fox and Christopher Lloyd.
— Julien 🎮 (@MajorDcps) October 9, 2022
This iconic duo from Back to the Future, always in my heart ❤️ pic.twitter.com/3F3reyOOjy
Having been diagnosed with Parkinsons in 1991 at the age of 29, the 61-year-old Fox has spent a majority of his life battling the disease, however, made it a point to show up in person for the event alongside his 83-year-old co-star, Lloyd.
The actor was earlier given only around 10 years for his acting career following his diagnosis but continued his career in film up until announcing his retirement in 2020.
Here is a quick understanding of Parkinson’s disease:
Fox dedicated most of his life towards The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, which the New York Times has called "the most credible voice on Parkinson's research in the world." Today the world's largest non-profit funder of Parkinson's drug development, the foundation has galvanized the search for a cure for Parkinsons. Fox is widely admired for his tireless work as a patient advocate.
Established in 2000 by the Canadian actor, the foundation has since become the largest non-profit funder of Parkinson's disease research in the world, having funded more than $1 billion in research funding to date. In 2010, the Foundation launched the first large-scale clinical study on evolution biomarkers of the disease at a cost of $45 million over five years.
The Michael J. Fox Foundation publishes a print newsletter The Fox Focus two times per year as well as a monthly e-newsletter, FoxFlash, to keep supporters updated on Parkinson's research progress.
In 2010, the foundation launched an audio podcast series on Parkinson's science, hosted by KQED Public Radio Host David Iverson.
Living with Parkinson's is the Foundation's online source for information on the disease and includes guides for the newly diagnosed and caregivers, stories from people living with the disease and additional resources.
In 2016, it created a raffle to raise awareness for Parkinson's disease and raised $6.75 million through Nike and two auctions in foreign cities such as Hong Kong and London. One of the Nike Mags sold for over $200,000.
The field of Parkinson’s research is ongoing and ever evolving as we learn more about this disease. The first step to living well with Parkinson’s disease is to understand the disease and the progression.
Scientists are exploring ways to identify biomarkers for Parkinsons that can lead to earlier diagnosis and more tailored treatments to slow down the disease process. Currently, all therapies used for Parkinsons can improve symptoms but do not slow or halt the disease progression.
Fox has spoken and written extensively about his predisposition to look at challenges, including his Parkinson's disease, through a lens of optimism and humor. His message has always been one of gratitude for the support he has received from his fellow Parkinson's patients, and hope and encouragement for every decision to take action, no matter how big or small, to help advance research towards the pursuit of a cure.
