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Michael J. Fox just hit a $2.5 billion milestone—and it could change Parkinson’s care forever

Maan
By Maan
  • Replies 27
TV & Movies

Michael J. Fox just hit a $2.5 billion milestone—and it could change Parkinson’s care forever

1760321104606.png Michael J. Fox just hit a $2.5 billion milestone—and it could change Parkinson’s care forever
Michael J. Fox defies Parkinson’s with remarkable year. Image source: Instagram/realmikejfox

Despite relying on a wheelchair and admitting he no longer walks freely due to fear of falling, Michael J. Fox continues to show the world that Parkinson’s disease doesn’t mean life stops.


At 64, the Back to the Future star has turned 2025 into one of his most remarkable years yet.


From receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom to returning to acting and writing another book, Fox has proven that determination can outshine limitation.




Fox’s journey through Parkinson’s has always been marked by honesty and grit.


He’s undergone spinal surgery for a benign tumour, suffered multiple fractures, and fought through infections that nearly cost him a finger—yet his sense of humour and hope remain intact.


‘I take it easy now, I don't walk that much any more. I can walk but it's not pretty and it's a bit dangerous,’ he said in a recent interview, acknowledging the toll of living with an advanced condition.



While others might see these as setbacks, Fox sees them as adjustments—just new ways to keep going.


This mindset has carried him through a milestone year filled with extraordinary achievements.




A year of extraordinary achievements


In January 2025, Fox received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian honour in the United States, recognising his decades of advocacy work.


The award came at a poignant moment—as his mobility declined, his influence reached its greatest height.



​



Then in May, he made a triumphant return to acting with a role in the third season of the comedy-drama Shrinking, his first major project since stepping back in 2020.


This time, he portrayed a character with Parkinson’s—marking the first time he could fully integrate his own experiences into a role.



​



‘It was the first time ever I get to show up on set, and I didn't have to worry about am I too tired or coughing or anything,’ he shared. ‘I just do it.’


By October, Fox released his fifth book, Future Boy: Back to the Future and My Journey Through the Space-Time Continuum, continuing to reflect on his life, career, and ongoing mission to fight Parkinson’s.




Breaking barriers in Parkinson’s research


But his biggest legacy continues through The Michael J. Fox Foundation, which has raised more than $2.5 billion for Parkinson’s research—making it the world’s largest non-profit funder in the field.


Its groundbreaking work helped identify a Parkinson’s biomarker in 2023 and supported the passage of the National Parkinson’s Project in 2024, the first federal law dedicated to accelerating Parkinson’s research.




Parkinson's in Australia


Approximately 100,000 Australians live with Parkinson's disease, with about 20 people diagnosed each day.


The condition is more common in people over 50, though 20 per cent of cases occur in younger people.


Early symptoms often include tremor, stiffness, and changes in movement that can increase fall risk.




Fox has also been outspoken about how Parkinson’s affects bone health—something many older Australians can relate to.


Because Parkinson’s impacts balance and coordination, the risk of falls and fractures increases dramatically, especially when combined with age-related bone loss.


Fear of falling can lead to less movement, weaker muscles, and even more risk over time—a cycle Fox knows all too well.




Advocating through limitations


His transparency helps others understand that using mobility aids isn’t about giving up—it’s about staying safe and independent.


His own words and example remind us that courage often looks like adaptation, not defiance.


In 2025, The Michael J. Fox Foundation also expanded its ‘Parkinson’s IQ + You’ national event series, which educates and empowers patients and families.


Since 2019, these events have reached more than 8,700 people across 15 cities, creating spaces for community connection and shared learning.




Living well with Parkinson's progression



  • Adapt activities rather than abandoning them completely

  • Use mobility aids without shame—they preserve independence

  • Stay connected to meaningful work or causes

  • Focus on what you can control, not what you can't

  • Seek support from others with similar experiences





A lasting message of resilience


For Australian seniors living with Parkinson’s—or supporting someone who is—Fox’s story offers both comfort and inspiration.


He shows that even as the disease progresses, life remains full of purpose, creativity, and connection.


‘As a parent, husband and friend, I have a lot left to do,’ Fox said recently.


It’s a simple reminder that while Parkinson’s may change the way you move through life, it doesn’t have to change your reason for moving forward.



What This Means For You


Michael J. Fox continues to thrive despite living with advanced Parkinson’s, showing that resilience can coexist with challenge. His foundation has now raised more than $2.5 billion for Parkinson’s research worldwide—a testament to the power of persistence and purpose.


In 2025, he returned to acting in Shrinking and released his fifth book, proving that passion doesn’t fade with time or illness. His story reminds us all that adapting to life’s changes, staying engaged in meaningful work, and holding onto optimism can make every chapter of life worth living.


It’s a message that resonates deeply with anyone facing health challenges or simply trying to make the most of each day.




If Michael J. Fox’s story shows how resilience and research can change the future of Parkinson’s, there’s still much more to learn about how the disease affects everyday life.


Understanding the hidden risks and how to take action early can make a powerful difference in managing symptoms and maintaining independence.


For a deeper look into what experts are calling one of the most underestimated conditions, explore the story below.



Read more: Parkinson's Disease: The Silent Killer in Your Home - How You Can Fight Back Now!





How do you stay positive when life forces you to adapt?

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Jest said:
what an inspiration. so many of us need to sit back and rethink our life.
one word high on my list is GRATEFUL.
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You're so right Jest. Gratitude is a very important feeling which should be felt and expressed every day. Cheers.
 
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Jest said:
what an inspiration. so many of us need to sit back and rethink our life.
one word high on my list is GRATEFUL.
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Jest said:
what an inspiration. so many of us need to sit back and rethink our life.
one word high on my list is GRATEFUL.
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Definitely!
 
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Ivory said:
I don't have Parkinsons but unfortunately do have a neurological condition, of which there are about 5, that often initially get wrongly diagnosed. I admire Michael Fox for his capacity to remain positive and to be able to retain a strong sense of purpose. I assume his position has facilitated his coping strategies but when you’re dependent of government funding for support, and the level they deem appropriate coping can be a little challenging. One of my biggest sources of comfort, intellectual stimulation and contact is via SDC. Thanks everyone
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You know we are all here for you anytime. Sending you hugs 💕💕
 
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Ivory said:
That’s such a beautiful offer Reet, thank you. I live in the Adelaide Hills. If the location suited I purchased myself an automatic coffee machine which I can use with just a finger! Are you by any chance local? If we can’t do a face to face we regularly cross paths on the forum, we will just have to coordinate our coffees 😁😁
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We could all do a what's app group, do a group video call while having a coffee ☕️
 
Penny4 said:
My dear Grandfather had parkinsons. It was a blessing that he didn't get it until elderly.
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My grandfather also had it. He was diagnosed at 66, before that his was very very active then it was like he went old overnight . He passed away at 72 but it was chemo for cancer that cut his life short.

It was terrible the last 2 years, he couldn't even feed himself he shook that much
 
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Ivory said:
I don't have Parkinsons but unfortunately do have a neurological condition, of which there are about 5, that often initially get wrongly diagnosed. I admire Michael Fox for his capacity to remain positive and to be able to retain a strong sense of purpose. I assume his position has facilitated his coping strategies but when you’re dependent of government funding for support, and the level they deem appropriate coping can be a little challenging. One of my biggest sources of comfort, intellectual stimulation and contact is via SDC. Thanks everyone
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Thank you for sharing something so personal @Ivory . Also, thank you for your very kind words. We're glad to know we are able to provide some comfort during these trying times. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need help with anything.
 
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