Michael J. Fox Boeken

Diagnosed at age 29, Fox is engaged in Parkinson's advocacy work, raising global awareness of the disease and helping find a cure through The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, the world's leading non-profit funder of PD science. Here he shares personal stories and observations about illness and health, aging, the strength of family and friends, and how our perceptions about time affect the way we approach mortality. Running through the narrative is the drama of the medical madness Fox recently experienced: the Parkinson's disease he's had since 1991, and a spinal cord issue that necessitated immediate surgery. He describes how his challenge to learn how to walk again, only to suffer a devastating fall, nearly caused him to ditch his trademark optimism. -- adapted from jacket

The actor shares personal stories and observations about illness and health, aging, the strength of family and friends, and how perceptions about time affect the consideration of mortality

'The ten years since my diagnosis have been the best ten years of my life and I consider myself a lucky man' - Michael J Fox When Michael J. Fox announced to the world that he had Parkinson's disease, a degenerative neurological condition, he had been secretly fighting it for almost ten years. By the time the public started grieving for him, he had stopped grieving for himself. Far from being bitter about being forced into retirement at the height of his career, he considers himself a lucky man. With the same energy, passion and humour he invests in his performances, Fox recounts the incredible story of his life-changing experiences - and what Parkinson's has given him- the chance to appreciate a wonderful life and career, his family, and the opportunity to help find a cure.

Michael J. Fox is known as an actor, husband, father, and activist, but readers will also recognize him as an optimist. In this memoir, he shares the hard-won perspective that transformed challenges into opportunities. Rather than isolating himself, he embraced a policy of engagement and discovery, cultivating an emotional, psychological, intellectual, and spiritual outlook that has supported him through his battle with Parkinson's disease. His departure from a demanding public life allowed him the time and inspiration to explore new avenues, including a deeper connection with his family, which he considers his greatest achievement. The past decade, the focus of this memoir, began with the loss of his role on Spin City, leading to a struggle with the shifting dynamics of his public and private identities. Transitioning from "Mike the actor" to "Mike the actor with PD" raised questions about his sense of self. Parkinson's had taken over his career, prompting him to redefine his life. This book chronicles his journey of self-discovery and reinvention, touching on themes of work, politics, faith, and family. With humor and wit reminiscent of his first book, he illustrates how he found happiness and contentment by appreciating the everyday gifts of life.