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

A funny, highly personal, and beautifully written account of a 30-year-old man diagnosed with an 80-year-old's disease. In September 1998, Michael J. Fox revealed his battle with Parkinson's disease, a condition he had secretly faced for seven years. The public's reaction was immense, but Fox had already come to terms with his diagnosis. With his characteristic humor and energy, he shares his life story, from his childhood in western Canada to his rise as a global celebrity in film and television. Most importantly, he reflects on the past decade, during which he has navigated his illness with unwavering support from his wife, family, and friends. Fox discusses how Parkinson's has enriched his life, allowing him to appreciate his career and contribute to the search for a cure while raising awareness about the disease. He considers himself fortunate. Profits from this book are donated to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, which aims to accelerate the search for a cure. The Foundation focuses on identifying promising research and securing funding for those affected by Parkinson's. For more information on the disease and ways to help, visit MichaelJFox.org.

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.