A VERY SPECIAL HERO, ACTOR MICHAEL J. FOX.

I remember, maybe you remember seeing Michael J. Fox when he was an exceptionally good-looking, successful actor in TV series "Family Ties,"and  "Spin City," and became an international star in the "Back to the Future Trilogy," "The Hard Way," "Doc Hollywood," "The Secret of My Success," "Bright Lights, Big City," and "The American President."

Wham! Fate, bad luck (whatever you call it) hit him.

Age 29, in 1991 Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, an incurable, progressive nervous system disorder that affects movement. He didn't disclose his condition to the public till 1998. He partly retired from acting in 2000 as the symptoms of his disease worsened.

These photos indicate how it changed the way he looked.

1990-------------2000

In January, the New York Times said, "Fox has had a remarkably successful second act. After going public with his Parkinson's diagnosis in 1998. he's raised 800 million to combat the disease. He's written three best selling books, despite Parkinson's physical limitations, has performed important roles in a string of hit TV shows, and has a famously happy family life."

Now, at 57, Michael says, "I'd developed a relationship with Parkinson's where it left me areas I could still flourish in."
      That changed last year. He developed a spinal problem that required surgery and extensive rehab. He largely recovered, only to fall at home in August and fracture his ankle. He says, "Those setbacks brought places where I wondered was it false hope I'd been selling? Is there a line beyond which there is no consolation?" Dealing with when he couldn't walk, had health aides 24 hours a day--Michael remembers asking himself if he was still able to tell himself, "Hey, chin up!"

       "Yes" was his answer.

Friends, readers, grab what you can from this. Michael J. Fox sees each day through lens of optimism, and takes on a day with--not just hope--but a very strong, exceptionally strong flow of positive thoughts.

He says of his life, "If the worse I've had is as bad as it gets, it's been amazing."