I really admire Michael J. Fox

[NNN0LHI]

What he did wasn't easy for him. He knew he would be putting a bullseye on his back when he made his decision and he still did what he felt he had to do.

Wish I could say I would have been as brave as him in the same situation but I can't.

Don

[tblue]

1. That's what the Courage of Your Convictions looks like

Would that we all had his guts

[AX10]

2. I know what you are saying.

[Hav]

3. .

So do I. I don't understand why people have this hate. Of course he is so engaged because it hit him. But he is also doing the work for millions of other people. He is helping a good cause and he is doing great.
Many would just turn bitter if they were diagnosed at the age of 29. But he remains hopeful.

(Thread from yesterday at a campaign for Webb with Clark)
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=385x2388

[dsc]

4. I was a big fan of his when he was on Family Ties

and then in Back to the Future movies. His final show, Spin City, I watched religiously. I was utterly shocked when he announced his Parkinsons. As sad as his diagnosis was and is, I am amazed at his courage and grace. Back then he was a cute guy who delivered lines well. Now he is a giant fighting for the future health of all us. If there is any justice he will be the first person to get a cure.

[EvolveOrConvolve]

14. Were you a fan of him or his character during his stint with Family Ties?

Because his character was a cold-hearted Reagan Republican...

[sweetheart]

5. Yes, god helps him

He's been touched, and he's got the midas touch.

If more people did like him, republicans would not
exist, like cockroaches in a clean kitchen.

[Swamp Rat]

6. Me too n/t

[SheWhoMustBeObeyed]

7. I feel the same way

He's a selfless, decent guy in the same mold as Christopher Reeves.

[Uncle Joe]

8. I agree, many people in his situation

would be tempted to hide from the world. I am thankful for his courage and service to the people suffering from this and other diseases.


I am tempted now to rent all three versions of "Back to the Future" tonight, those are some of my favorite movies.

[DUgosh]

9. Back to the Future III

Was on Stars yesterday. I got all teary eyed. I love him in Doc Hollywood and the another romantic comedy with with Helen Shaver.

[spooky3]

12. Secret of My Success?

[DUgosh]

15. Yes, yes thats it - Thanks

I never would have remembered the name but it's one you can watch over and over again

[AutumnMist]

10. I Also Admire Him

It mas sound strange but when I was diagnosed with PD the first thing I did was find the Michael J Fox foundation and read everything about him and the path he took after being diagnosed. I think most people who harbor the hatred towards him are doing it for political reasons and not because they actually have any real reason to dislike him. The comments that have been made about him have really broken my heart, as I am sure it has broken many others as well. He has been a champion for people fighting Parkinson's and for those who say he is in it for himself OF COURSE HE IS...and whats the problem? If you have any disease the first thing you do is become more knowledgeable and pick a treatment that works for you. Mr. Fox has not only done that, he has the right to keep doing it. Like we all do. He has been the voice for millions of americans who cannot get the same coverage that he does and for that I am very grateful to him. Some stats on Parkinson's for the people who would like to chime in about PD being a case about Michael J Fox. Take a look at it you republican hate mongers and I invite any of you to walk down your street after reading these and tell me who Michael J Fox is fighting for. Its your neighbors and your children...your parents and your friends who will become afflicted. You can stick your head in the sand if you would like. But for me? I will stay informed and keep moving forward with compassion and knowledge thank you very much.

Of the roughly 1.5 million Americans diagnosed with the condition, about 225,000 - 15 percent - are now diagnosed before age 50, according to the National Parkinson Foundation.

* Parkinson’s disease progresses much slower in younger people than those patients who are 70 and older (almost twice as slow).
* Young-onset Parkinson’s disease (YOPD) patients tend to develop motor complications earlier, such as dyskinesias, dystonia, and motor fluctuations.
* YOPD accounts for approximately 15 percent of the 1.5 million Americans who are currently diagnosed with the disease. Many more may be afflicted, but are misdiagnosed.
* The full progression of the disease may take anywhere from 10 to 40 years in young-onset patients.
* YOPD patients perceive greater stigma, have higher depression scores, and rate their quality of life as worse, on average, than patients with older onset who have similar disease severity.


Parkinson’s Disease affects about 1 in 100 Americans over the age of 60 years. The illness is much rarer at younger ages. The exact number of cases in younger individuals is difficult to estimate. It is said that of patients seen in clinics in the United States, about 5% have their initial symptoms before age 40 years.

[brer cat]

18. We desperately need his voice and name recognition.

My dad had PD during the early computer days before Al Gore (Bless his heart) invented the internet.

It was so hard for me to find the information I needed to care for him. We need Michael Fox and AutumnMist keeping this public and making everyone aware of the need to keep the research going to find a cure. It's a HORRIFIC disease that many people know nothing about. We have a cousin who developed PD at a much earlier age than my dad, and that is really scarry...just what MJF and AM are facing.

We must support those with the courage (and it really takes it) to speak publicly, and VOTE for stem cell research!

[twilight_sailing]

11. I'm always deeply humbled

by great courage.

On the other hand, being hated by Rush Limbaugh is a BADGE OF HONOR. :)

[bdamomma]

13. I like him too, he's very genuine, and he is just trying to help

other people who have this devasting disease, Parkinson's. These diseases could be cured with stem cell research, but these sick religious wingnuts do not believe in science. What BS.

[DawgHouse]

16. He is an amazing man and a great American.

I admire his courage.

[AlCzervik]

17. maybe i'm not cynical enough but never in my life did i think he would

the target of an attack, it never dawned on me that anyone could sink so low, i must be losing my edge.