After years of Parkinson’s research, Michael J. Fox awarded Presidential Medal of Freedom

Actor, writer and advocate Michael J. Fox has been awarded the nation’s highest civilian honor.

On Jan. 4, Fox obtained the Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of his efforts in Parkinson’s illness analysis with The Michael J. Fox Basis for Parkinson’s Analysis (MJFF).

President Biden offered the medal in a White Home ceremony, which honors people who’ve made “exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values or safety of america, world peace, or different vital societal, public or personal endeavors,” in response to a press launch.

MICHAEL J. FOX GETS SCARED AMID PARKINSON’S DISEASE BATTLE, BUT ‘THE ABSENCE OF FEAR IS FAITH’

Fox’s introduction to the stage learn: “Michael J. Fox is among the most beloved actors of our time. With outstanding wit and allure, he launched iconic characters to the middle of American tradition, from Alex P. Keaton to Marty McFly and extra.”

“With undaunted resilience and optimism, he additionally warms hearts and captivates audiences as a fearless advocate for these with Parkinson’s illness,” the intro continued. “Channeling his endearing persona to advance remedies strikes us nearer to a remedy and reminds us of the facility of American prospects.”

The White Home press launch additionally acknowledged Fox for successful 5 Emmy Awards, 4 Golden Globe Awards, two Display Actors Guild Awards and a Grammy Award, along with being a “world-renowned advocate for Parkinson’s illness analysis and growth.”

“Receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom is humbling, an honor I might by no means have anticipated.”

“Receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom is humbling, an honor I might by no means have anticipated,” Fox mentioned in a press launch assertion from MJFF. 

“I am grateful for this recognition, which I share with the sufferers, households and researchers who’ve introduced us nearer than ever to ending Parkinson’s illness as soon as and for all.”

President Joe Biden presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, to Michael J. Fox, heart, within the East Room of the White Home on Jan. 4, 2025. (AP Picture/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Since its 2000 launch, Fox’s group has grow to be the world’s largest nonprofit for Parkinson’s analysis, in response to MJFF.

Fox was recognized with the progressive mind dysfunction in 1991.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER

MJFF has allotted greater than $2 billion to “high-impact world analysis applications” to hurry up remedies and a remedy.

The inspiration lately marked a breakthrough discovery of a Parkinson’s biomarker in 2023, in addition to the institution of the Nationwide Parkinson’s Mission – a 2024 regulation that drives the “first-ever federal initiative” to speed up analysis and enhance affected person care.

For extra Health articles, go to www.foxnews.com/well being

Parkinson’s illness is now the second most typical and fastest-growing neurological illness worldwide, in response to MJFF.

Fox has been dwelling with Parkinson’s since he was first recognized in 1991, which led to the institution of MJFF in 2000. (Leigh Vogel/Pool/Sipa USA)

A couple of million Individuals, together with 110,000 U.S. navy veterans, are estimated to dwell with the illness at the moment.

As these numbers rise, research challenge that Parkinson’s circumstances will double globally by 2040. 

THE EFFECT OF PARKINSON’S DISEASE ON THE BRAIN AND COMMON WAYS THOSE IMPACTED SUBDUE SYMPTOMS

Alongside Fox, there have been 18 further Presidential Medal of Freedom honorees, together with Jose Andres, Bono, Ash Carter, Hillary Clinton, Tim Gill, Jane Goodall, Fannie Lou Hamer, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Robert Francis Kennedy, Ralph Lauren, Lionel Messi, Invoice Nye, George Romney, David Rubenstein, George Soros, George Stevens, Jr., Denzel Washington and Anna Wintour.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP 

Fox Information Digital’s Ashley Hume contributed to this report.