As the beloved and iconic ‘80s’ film “Back to the Future” marks its 40th anniversary this week, our intrepid founder Michael J. Fox sat down with MJFF Board Member and NBC’s Sunday TODAY host Willie Geist for an exclusive look at the remarkable time in Michael’s storied career in 1985. Amidst the release of his fifth book, Future Boy, Michael opened up to Willie and reflected on one of the busiest times in his life, though it’s apparent that his work and activism have not slowed down since.
The two share a special connection; Willie’s father, Bill Geist, who sits on MJFF’s Patient Council, was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease nearly 33 years ago.
“When your family is struck by this disease, where do you look — you look to Michael J. Fox,” Willie Geist said earlier this year. “I’m just grateful for Michael really showing the way and being a north star for all of us.”
Recognizing the vision of The Michael J. Fox Foundation from its inception in 2000, Michael said, “It was to give a voice to people that were disenfranchised and marginalized because of the disease.” After keeping his diagnosis private for seven years before sharing it publicly, he thought, “This is an opportunity to step up and make a difference. The more I thought about it, the more I thought, I can’t not do this.”
Over the last 25 years, The Michael J. Fox Foundation has funded over $2.5 billion in Parkinson’s disease research and has fundamentally altered the trajectory of progress toward a cure. The 2023 discovery of a biomarker for Parkinson’s disease — a tool that can detect the earliest biological signs of the disease in living people — has opened the door to more effective clinical trials and the possibility of personalized care for each Parkinson’s patient.
Now, the Foundation looks ahead to ushering in a new era of Parkinson’s disease research with the latest advances catalyzing the future of drug development.
Willie noted that since publicly sharing his Parkinson’s diagnosis, Michael has become “a hero to so many,” and asked about his decision to remain active and engaged despite the challenges of the disease.
Reflecting on his Hollywood career accomplishments and living more than three decades with PD, Michael says he is most proud of the Foundation’s work.
“Screw vanity. The other stuff is all great, but if I could come out of this with something substantial – a change in the way Parkinson’s is treated and even find some version of a cure – it would be amazing, so much better than any movie or tv show,” said Michael.
And he’s not slowing down any time soon. “Everything is possible,” he says. “I’m encouraged and excited. Exhausted — but I’ll keep going.”
Watch the full interview here:
Photo Gallery
Feeling inspired? Get involved with The Michael J. Fox Foundation by participating in an event or fundraising for Team Fox, the grassroots community fundraising program of MJFF. Learn more about participating in research, including PPMI, the Foundation’s landmark research study. Finally, connect with community members through MJFF’s Buddy Network, an online community of people impacted by PD. Or follow along on the Foundation’s social media channels here: Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.