What to Know
When Michael J. Fox was 29 years old, he was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease. That was more than 30 years ago. Now, at age 64, the iconic actor is opening up about how much his family’s support means to him. Michael has been married to his wife, Tracy Pollan, for 37 years. They share four adult children: Sam, 36, Esmé, 24, and Aquinnah and Schuyler, both 30.
During an exclusive interview with Entertainment Tonight, Michael said “caregiving is the most difficult thing in the world.”
Speaking to People, he said his wife and kids are “so supportive and so great.” Their unwavering support means a lot to him. “They’ve always been there for me, and they continue to be for me, year after year,” he told the publication.
Entertainment Tonight also asked the actor what gives him hope. “I just wake up every day and I’m happy to get another set of downs, as they say in football,” he said. “And keep pushing the ball. That’s what keeps me going. I get up every day and [I’ve got] work to do.”
Of course, this kind of optimistic outlook is uplifting and inspirational.
At the same time, Michael’s wife told People that living with Parkinson’s is also difficult, and there’s nothing wrong with acknowledging that.
“Michael is so optimistic, which is wonderful and really helps him, but it’s really important to also understand that this is a huge challenge,” she told the publication. “It’s very difficult for the family, for the caregivers and, obviously, for the patient.”
She continued with, “So it’s important to acknowledge that and acknowledge that it’s not just all sort of easy. It’s not easy.”
Tracy also told the publication that she often leans on her kids for support sometimes. “Michael was diagnosed before the girls were born and very, very early into Sam’s life, so it’s kind of all they know, really,” she explained.
Now, years later, they continue to be “just incredibly supportive” and “very helpful” to their parents.
According to the Mayo Clinic, Parkinson’s disease affects the nervous system which worsens over time. Early symptoms “may be barely noticeable” the organization shares, noting it’s sometimes just a small tremor in the hand, foot, or jaw at first.
Worsening over time, symptoms may include slowed movements, rigid muscles, speech changes, poor posture and balance, and more. Currently there is no cure but treatment focuses on managing symptoms.
