Biden honors Michael J. Fox with Presidential Medal of Freedom

Actor Michael J. Fox has received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from U.S. President Joe Biden for his work as an advocate and founder of The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

Awarded at the White House, the Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest honor civilians can receive for their efforts in shaping the country or society. Biden praised Fox’s efforts in Parkinson’s research and public service, according to a foundation press release. 

“Receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom is humbling, an honor I could never have anticipated,” Fox said. “I’m grateful for this recognition, which I share with the patients, families and researchers who have brought us closer than ever to ending Parkinson’s disease once and for all.”

Fox is well-known for his acting career, winning many awards including Emmy Awards, Golden Globes, and a Grammy. After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 1991, he became a leading voice for raising awareness and funding research for the disease.

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In 2000, he launched The Michael J. Fox Foundation, now the largest nonprofit supporting Parkinson’s research. The foundation has invested more than $2 billion in research, helping achieve milestones like the 2023 discovery of a Parkinson’s biomarker, which can help speed clinical trials and develop new treatments.

Parkinson’s is a fast-growing neurodegenerative disease affecting more than a million Americans, with cases expected to double globally by 2040. No cure has been found for the disease, and its costs are a huge burden on families and governments, totaling $52 billion annually in the U.S. alone.

Fox received the medal during a time of significant progress in Parkinson’s research. However, the growing number of cases highlights the urgent need for continued efforts to stop the disease and help those affected. Fox’s foundation also pushed for the 2024 National Parkinson’s Project, the first federal plan to improve care, research, and prevention in Parkinson’s.

The Presidential Medal of Freedom ceremony honored 19 people from different fields, including sports, entertainment, and philanthropy. Fox’s achievements as both an actor and an advocate were celebrated as an example of resilience and impact.

During the ceremony, Fox was introduced as “one of the most beloved actors of our time … With undaunted resilience and optimism, he also warms hearts and captivates audiences as a fearless advocate for those with Parkinson’s disease. Channeling his endearing personality to advance treatments move us closer to a cure and remind us of the power of American possibilities.”