Michael J. Fox ~ A Canadian-American Inspiration

I will start this week's blog with a story that aired on Friday Evening’s ABC evening News, the person of the week was Michael J. Fox. Do you remember young “Alex Keaton” from the sitcom “Family Ties”?  How about Marty McFly in the “Back to the Future” trilogy?  His leading roles in “Teen Wolf” and “Doc Hollywood”?  Today, he continues to entertain with recurring roles as a lawyer in the TV series, "The Good Wife".

This giant of a man who measures 5’4” once wanted to be a hockey professional. Although not having size as in height, he has the biggest heart in the world. Growing up in Western Canada, like many “frozen yankees”, he wanted to play hockey, instead he brought us laughter and enjoyment on TV and the Big Screen. This Canadian-American brings inspiration to the world.  What more could anyone ever ask for in life?

It’s hard to believe that Michael was diagnosed with Parkinson Disease 20 years ago!  Despite this debilitating illness, Michael continues to bring joy and happiness to those around him.  He was pictured with his wife and children beaming as if he had everything in life.  He does!  When this disease stopped him from making movies, he continued to do good and became the World’s largest private funder of Parkinson Disease with 300M. His work has enabled an earlier ID of the disease to help match candidates for clinical trials earlier when symptoms first begin to appear.  As crazy as this sounds, 45% of all trials have zero patients up til now.  Michael is making a difference and has become a leading advocate for research into this malady. 

His life is full, and he continues to live it!  The lessons that he teaches are core to belief and life success.  "Happiness is a decision" ~ “Choose to be Happy”  ~  “If life gives you a bag of hammers…build something”