Time or money
When I was growing up, my heroes were athletes. In my twenties, I looked up to businessmen I wanted to emulate and artists I appreciated. Now that I am in my late thirties, my heroes are people who are working to make the world a better place for future generations. My dad was one of my heroes and, although I can’t remember whether I ever specifi cally told him so, I sure remember him that way.
I have a new hero, not to replace my others, but one who has already motivated me to be a better person. For years, I have been aware of the fi ght to cure Parkinson’s disease. I have been intimately aware of the issues facing those who have PD, but had yet to get involved in the cause. I heard about a Hollywood poker event for PD and I just had to be a part of it. The more research I did about the organization behind the event, the more impressed I became. Then I attended the event and was blown away. From an opening speech to tireless involvement throughout the evening, the force leading this charge was truly inspiring. His name is Michael J. Fox.
Now, you probably know him from his highly celebrated career, originally as the star of the popular sitcom Family Ties. He later found success in blockbuster movies like Back to the Future, The Secret to My Success, and Doc Hollywood. Most recently he starred in the hit television sitcom Spin City. He has won four Golden Globes, four Emmys, a SAG award, and was selected as GQ’s Man of the Year.
In my estimation, Michael will not be most remembered for those impressive accomplishments, but for being a driving force in the campaign to legalize stem-cell research, which will drastically speed up fi nding cures for diseases like Parkinson’s. Diagnosed in 1991, he created the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research in 2000 and helped raise over $120 million that has been used to fund research to help those affl icted and to fi nd a cure for this debilitating disease.
I was so impressed with this event — the people behind the night were amazing. It was well organized, ran smoothly, and was fi rst class all the way. Many of the attendees didn’t know how to play poker, yet they felt involved and a part of the evening. Everyone working on the event cared deeply about the night’s success and it is an absolute tribute to Michael. He has an incredible group of people working for him.
The night was a huge success on so many levels. Not only did it generate over $600,000 for the foundation, but it also left everyone in attendance deeply inspired. Despite obviously feeling some of the physical affects of Parkinson’s, Michael made sure that everyone there had a wonderful time. As I watched him interact with guests, I was struck by how he seemed to bring a big smile to the face of everyone he came in contact with. The fact that he could do that while feeling the effects of his illness is an amazing testament to his fortitude and his relentless dedication to making a difference in the lives of those with the disease.
What Michael is doing with his charity work is more important than fi nding a cure for the disease he has. He is one of those people who can inspire others to change the world for future generations.
One major regret I have is that I didn’t have the opportunity to meet Michael’s wife, Tracy Pollan. I have heard such incredible things about her and can only imagine what she has gone through. I hope to be lucky enough to meet her someday.
I urge everyone to visit the foundation’s website, www.MichaelJFox.org. The foundation is a new model for what a charity can do to make a difference. It gives help and hope to those with Parkinson’s, but is also working to change biomedical research as a whole.
Read Michael’s memoir Lucky Man. I read it cover to cover immediately after the poker event. His candor and refl ection will make you want to savor every moment of your life. All profi ts from the book are donated to his foundation.
Celebrities in Attendance: Traci Pollan, Teri Hatcher, Montel Williams, Nicole Sullivan, Bill Lawrence, Zach Braff, Sarah Chalke and the whole cast of Scrubs, Alan Ruck, Luke Perry, and Lucas Haas. Annie Duke had her own event that night, so she donated a poker lesson, which was awarded to a lucky winner making the fi nal table.
