Michael J. Fox Receives Honorary Oscar – His Speech is Priceless – Watch

In the 90s he was one of our biggest stars on the small and the big screen. But then Michael J. Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, and the “Back to the Future” star focused on becoming an advocate for others living with the same condition. 

The Michael J. Fox Foundation was started in 2000, and it has become the leading provider of funds for Parkinson’s research in the world. 

Fox’s contributions to the world were honored at the 13th Annual Governors Awards on November 19th in Los Angeles. He was the recipient of the Jean Hershel Humanitarian Award which honors people “whose humanitarian efforts have brought credit to the industry.” It is also an honorary Oscar award. 

As he took the stage to accept the award, he delivered a speech full of emotion and humor that struck the heart of listeners. 

After huge applause, Fox said, “You’re making me shake, stop it.” That was pure Michael J. Fox!

In the meat of the speech, he thanked Gary David Goldberg, his “boss, friend and mentor” from the sitcom “Family Ties,” who introduced him to the concept “for whom much is given, much is required.” 

Regarding his Parkinson’s diagnosis, he remembered that “the hardest part was grappling with the certainty of the diagnosis and the uncertainty of the situation. The diagnosis was definite and the progress was indefinite and uncertain.”

“It struck me that everything I had been given—success, my life with Tracy, my family—had prepared me for this profound opportunity and responsibility … I referred to Parkinson’s as the gift that keeps on taking … but it truly became a gift,” Fox said.

Fox ended his speech praising the work of those diligently working at his foundation, saying, “My optimism is fueled by my gratitude. With gratitude, optimism is sustainable.”

There is another adage important in this story, “What goes around, comes around. He deserves the honor. 

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