Happy 65th, Michael J. Fox! A Parkinson’s patient’s crush lives on.

This month, Michael J. Fox turned 65. And I’ve had a crush on the man for almost 40 years.

Back in the 1980s, when I grew up, the show “Family Ties” was at its height. It starred Fox as the teenage son of two ex-hippies, and he had no time for peace and love. Instead, he was a Ronald Reagan-loving capitalist. Not only was the show compellingly written and universal in its theme of family love and care coming before differences, but also Fox was an absolute dreamboat to a preteen girl.

My crush continued when Fox starred in the movie “Back to the Future” in 1985. The movie was a huge hit, and Fox’s character, Marty McFly, made women of all ages swoon. He was charming and funny, with universal appeal. More movies followed, including “Doc Hollywood.” Unbeknownst to the rest of the world, it was during filming of that 1991 movie that Fox developed a tremor in his pinkie finger. He was quickly diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease at the age of just 29.

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Fox didn’t disclose his illness to the public for years and continued to act in movies and headline a star-studded cast on the sitcom “Spin City” for four seasons in the late 1990s, until leaving the show to focus on his health. At the time I heard of his diagnosis, I was sad for Fox and his family. I read his first book with curiosity and empathy, but without any sense of what it would mean to me years later.

Then in 2013, I developed a tremor in my pinkie finger. That tremor also led to a diagnosis of early-onset Parkinson’s disease when I was just 36. And I also struggled with when and how to disclose my diagnosis at work. I reread his first book and suddenly saw myself in his pages — the fear and uncertainty for sure, but also courage and hope. My crush on Fox only grew. I mean, how could you not love this man?

As I struggled to accept my diagnosis and started to fight back, I discovered the amazing work of the Michael J. Fox Foundation. The foundation has raised millions of dollars to fund the fight against Parkinson’s. Its focus has been on funding the science to discover, test, and bring to market new treatments, and further our understanding of how the disease works to stop it in its tracks.

Still acting, still swinging

Now, 35 years after his diagnosis, Fox is visibly changed by Parkinson’s, but he’s nowhere near done fighting. He recently took a star turn on the Apple TV show “Shrinking,” where he plays a character with Parkinson’s, inspiring a whole new audience with his courage and talent. And my crush grew even more as I watched him living so much after 35 years.

I’ve only had 12 years of fighting, and I am amazed at how well I am doing. Between medication and my deep brain stimulation surgery nearly seven years ago, I feel incredible — all things considered. I’m still working and walking and able to do all the daily activities I enjoy. I only hope to be doing as well as Fox is in another 20 years.

I have a crush on Fox for many reasons, beyond his acting talent and general adorableness. But the most important ones are:

• He came out publicly with his diagnosis, removing some of the fear and stigma of the disease.
• He started his foundation, which has done so much good for so many with Parkinson’s, helping them live better lives through new treatments.
• And he went back to work, showing people that Parkinson’s isn’t a death sentence, and there’s lots of living left to do.

So happy birthday to you, Mr. Fox. Thank you for all you do to fight for us, and I wish you many, many more birthdays to come.

Note: Parkinson’s News Today is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Parkinson’s News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Parkinson’s disease.