Young Onset Parkinson's Disease April 25/2014
Optimist....Optimism.....Michael J. Fox has even coined himself, The Incurable Optimist. This is quite evident in this Part 1 of 2 video interviews with Larry King. Without Michael J Fox, how much would we really know about Young Onset Parkinson's???
When I tell people that I have Parkinson's Disease, they often stare at me, in a manner which tells me they are thinking, " Well....I have heard of it......haven't I?". But if I follow it quickly with, "You know, Michael J Fox..."., I always get a resounding acknowledgement that yes, they do know what it is.
Michael J Fox, in this interview, discusses dealing with Young Onset Parkinson's since the age of 29. He describes how it affects his everyday routine, using the example of brushing his teeth. These little common rituals that we take for granted are things that Parkies dread on the down days, but on better days, can find the humour in it. And humour is what Michael J Fox is known for. He does briefly touch on the fact that upon diagnosis, he was not that funny, or optimistic, rather he buried his fears in alcohol.
Here is the Poster Boy for Parkinson's Disease. At 29....he was living a lonely existence. After all, it is he, himself that brought awareness of, research in, and funding of the Disease. He admits, it took him 7 years upon diagnosis to be able to discuss it openly. And thank God, that he could. Where would we be without him?? Personally, because of the attention he has drawn to this disease, I am so much more enlightened and confident as a Parkie.
"Don't wish for a lighter load, wish for broader shoulders." Michael J. Fox.
Enjoy this video clip.
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