Michael J. Fox “Oprah” March 31: “Parkinson’s Doesn’t Define Me”
“It’s like having a 4-year-old climbing on you all the time,” that’s how Michael J. Fox describes his nearly 18 year battle with Parkinson’s Disease, a neurological disorder that affects speech and mobility.
The 47-year-old actor will appear on an episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show airing Tuesday. The former Family Ties star was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1991, and disclosed his condition to the public in 1998. As the symptoms of the disease worsened he semi-retired from acting in 2000.
“And, so whatever you’re trying to do, you’ve got this 4-year-old and you’re… just trying to be patient and focus on what you need to do,” he explains to The Queen of Talk.
Nonetheless, Michael tells Oprah that he refuses to allow his life to be ruled by the disease.
“I’m a dad, I’m a husband, I’m an activist, I’m a writer and I’m just a student of the world,” he says. “This is one fact of my life, but it’s not the totality of my life. It doesn’t define me.”
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On March 31st 2009, Karen Amell wrote:
Your show was a door opening experience to my son who is mentally challanged. He has always love Michael J Fox. Watching the show today bothered him because of his movements. When he commented on this. I said to him. Listen to what he has to say. Not what his body is doing. After the show. He told me. I wish people would listen to what I have to say. Other than what my body does. Thank you Michael for showing my son that his disabilty does not difine who he is. Someday. He would love to meet you. He is a special man. As you are as well.
Karen
On March 31st 2009, betty miller wrote:
Hi Opera, my husband who has parkinson enjoy the show with michael fox on parkinson. it was very educational. my husband who has parkinson for the last fifteen years. parkinson is not who he is, he is going to be 80 in July, goes to the south west Y.m.c.a. three times a week at five a.m. what a guy. thank you for the information as a care giver it give me some insight what the next few years will be. thank you for all the information. It was a bad day for my husband the day you had Michael on and the other lady who i did not get her name. God closes doors and opens many in our lives, this day he open the door for us. thank you, and god bless. Betty Miller