Michael J Fox has wowed his fans after he described his Parkinson’s as a ‘gift’.
The 61-year-old star was first diagnosed with the condition in 1991 after he experienced a sore shoulder and a twitching finger.
He did not reveal his diagnosis to the public until seven years later and has since gone on to setup his own foundation that helps fund research into the condition.
After accepting the diagnosis, Fox has been transparent about his struggles and he revealed that he now sees it as a gift.
The Back To The Future star appeared n the talk show The Project and said he was ‘really happy’ with the way his life turned out.
“I always say Parkinson’s is a gift and people say to me, ‘How can you possibly describe it as a gift?’ And I say, ‘It is the gift that keeps on taking, but it is a gift.’”
He also said that he loves the chance he has to be of service after dedicating years to finding potential treatments and cure for the condition.
Fox previously told CBS Sunday Morning that he was not always optimistic.
Speaking about living with his condition, he said: “It’s getting tougher; every day it gets tougher,” adding that Parkinson’s is a ‘gift that keeps on taking’ because of its symptoms, which include muscle stiffness, impaired movement, and tremors.
“My life is set up so I can pack Parkinson’s along with me if I have to,” he told journalist Jane Pauley, who responded: “You’ve not squandered any of your capacity, but at some point Parkinson’s is going to call for you isn’t it?”
Fox said: “Yeah, it’s banging on the door. I mean, I’m not going to lie it’s going to hurt.”
Recalling the health problems he has experienced over the years, the actor said: “I had spinal surgery. I had a tumor on my spine. And it was benign, but it messed up my walking. And then, started to break stuff. Broke this arm, and I broke this arm, I broke this elbow. I broke my face.”
“I broke my hand. Which is a big killer with Parkinson’s. It’s falling and aspirating food and getting pneumonia. All these subtle ways that get ya,” he added.
What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments section and SHARE this story with your friends and family!