Actor and director, Michael J Fox has revealed news of a medical breakthrough funded by the Michael J. Fox Foundation – a charity aimed at finding a cure for Parkinson’s.
The 61-year-old – who was diagnosed in 1991 and went public with his diagnosis seven years later – was thrilled to share the news despite his own deteriorating health.
“It’s been a terrible year,” Fox admitted to Stat News, telling the outlet that he had broken multiple bones in a fall, including some in his hand and his face.
READ MORE: Jeremy Renner brings daughter to first red carpet since horror accident
In the interview Fox explained that in some ways he was “feeling better.”
With a recent Oscar win and with a documentary on his life is set to be released in May, the star is doing well for himself.
But the Back to the Future star was more overjoyed to be sharing news of the groundbreaking research on Parkinson’s.
The study, which was published this month in The Lancet Neurology, found that a key Parkinson’s pathology can now be identified by examining spinal fluid from living patients, allowing earlier intervention.
“It’s all changed. It can be known and treated early on. It’s huge,” said Fox, who was diagnosed at age 29.
“This is the thing,” he added of the research. “This is the big reward. This is the big trophy.”
READ MORE: Sofia Vergara’s ex launches second court battle for embryos
During the screening of his documentary Still: A Michael J. Fox Movie, Fox opened up about living with Parkinson’s disease during a Q&A.
When asked how he “mobilised” people to care about Parkinson’s, the star responded: “I didn’t have a choice.”
“This is it. I have to give everything I have, and it’s not lip service. I show up and do the best I can,” he added.
“Pity is a benign form of abuse. I can feel sorry for myself, but I don’t have time for that. There is stuff to be learned from this, so let’s do that and move on.”
READ MORE: Matthew McConaughey reveals why he stepped away from acting for four years
Answering questions about the film alongside director Davis Guggenheim, Fox said sharing his story is his way of giving back to fans who have supported him over the years.
“My fans have basically given me my life,” he explained.
“I wanted to give these people who have done so much for me my time and gratitude. It was great for me to hear from all of you.”
“Parkinson’s sucks, but it’s a great life, so thank you for it,” he added, addressing Guggenheim directly.
Speaking to his decision to work post-diagnosis the star said: “I have no regrets.”
“You do what you have to do, but you do not want to kill your self. And that’s when I stopped,” he added.
For a daily dose of 9Honey, subscribe to our newsletter here.