Michael J. Fox has spoken candidly on the manner in which he wants to die amidst a string of new struggles he\u2019s facing as part of his ongoing battle with Parkinson\u2019s.<\/p>\n
The iconic actor was diagnosed with the crippling disease aged just 29 in 1991, and has since grown to become arguably the world\u2019s most famous advocate in highlighting the importance of understanding the condition and finding new treatments.<\/p>\n
Through his Michael J Fox Foundation, the Back to the Future star has been able to raise over $2 billion for Parkinson\u2019s research, while Fox himself has striven to live his life as normally as possible, maintaining a hugely successful career in the public spotlight.<\/p>\n
In recent years, Fox has co-written a new memoir, Future Boy, reflecting on the 1985 film that launched his career, helping to propel him to stardom before his devastating diagnosis.<\/p>\n
Earlier this year, he was honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom for his contributions to advancing understanding of the disease.<\/p>\n
That same optimism has long defined Fox\u2019s public life. In a new interview with People, he revealed:<\/p>\n
\u201cI wake up and get the message of what the day is gonna be like, and I try to adjust to it.<\/p>\n
\u201cI keep getting new challenges physically, and I get through it. I roll around in a wheelchair a lot, and it took some getting used to.\u201d<\/p>\n
Now, more than 30 years after his diagnosis, Fox admitted that he no longer walks regularly due to the risk of serious injury.<\/p>\n
In an interview with The Times, the actor said: \u201cAnd that\u2019s [the point] where I break stuff, it\u2019s absolutely incredible the stuff I broke. In a three-year period I broke my elbow, I broke my hand, I got a big infection in my hand and I almost lost my finger.\u201d<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cI take it easy now, I don\u2019t walk that much anymore. I can walk but it\u2019s not pretty and it\u2019s a bit dangerous.\u201d<\/p>\n
Given the debilitating, degenerative nature of his condition, Fox has also come to consider the finer points of his mortality. In the past, he\u2019s highlighted that falling is a major danger for sufferers of Parkinson\u2019s, along with choking on food.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou don\u2019t die from Parkinson\u2019s. You die with Parkinson\u2019s,\u201d Fox previously explained. \u201cI\u2019ve been thinking about the mortality of it. \u2026 I\u2019m not gonna be 80. I\u2019m not gonna be 80.\u201d<\/p>\n
Along those same lines, Fox revealed a desire to die a peaceful death when his time comes. While promoting his new book, Future Boy, he said: \u201cThere are not many people who have had Parkinson\u2019s for 35 years.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019d like to just not wake up one day. That\u2019d be really cool. I don\u2019t want it to be dramatic. I don\u2019t want to trip over furniture, smash my head.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite all the trials and tribulations Fox has faced over the past three decades, the actor has always endeavoured to remain upbeat and persistent with regards the finding of a cure and new ways of treating the disease.<\/p>\n
Speaking to Entertainment Tonight, he said: \u201cAfter 35 years or something since I\u2019ve been diagnosed, this is just my life and I don\u2019t think about it much.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m thinking about what we\u2019re going to do as a community to figure this out and find a cure \u2013 and short of a cure, [create] treatment centres that are really groundbreaking.\u201d<\/p>\n
We\u2019re sending all our prayers to the legend that is Michael J Fox. What an inspiration in the fight against such a terrible illness.<\/p>\n
Are you a fan of Fox and his work? Let us know in the comments.<\/p>\n
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