While waiting at the check-out stand at a nearby grocery store, my eyes wandered to the headlines of two publications. People magazine’s s cover story of December 8, 2008 was "Michael J. Fox 10 Years Later: Never Giving Up Hope.” In contrast was the tabloid, National Enquirer’s cover story on the same date, “Michael J. Fox Collapses: Time is Running Out.”
People Magazine’s story is optimistic and hopeful. It includes the following quotes from Fox:
On the Effects of Parkinson's on His Life: "I refuse to define it in terms of a hardship or a difficulty ...." Having the disease "is part of an amazing life. And not an 'otherwise' amazing life," he clarifies. "It's part of what makes my life amazing."
The His Family: "Our family life is so normal. His kids “don't see me as suffering from anything. The joke is, we'll be going to school and I'll say, 'Choose to have a great day!' and they'll roll their eyes at me. They see me as positive, upbeat."
Fox's Neurologist on His Parkinson’s: "Michael's doing terrifically well," Susan Bressman, Chair of the Department of Neurology at New York's Beth Israel Medical Center, says. "He copes so beautifully and he's such an optimist that he's a role model for everybody -- whether you have a disease or you don't."
On Opting Out of New Surgical Treatments Including Deep Brain Stimulation (Which He Hasn’t Had): "The next time they're going into my brain, they're going in with the goods to get it done. If they can't do that, then I'm not ready."
Coping and Looking Forward: He and his wife "haven't looked back. For everything that's worse, there's something that's better ... I really love my life. That's just me. I understand Parkinson's is a real hardship for [some] people, and I'm not trying to be insensitive to them. But I have to be realistic about my situation. Yes, it's a horrible condition. Would I choose not to have it? Yeah, I think so. But it's not my choice."
On the Future With Parkinson’s: "I'm almost sure that in 10 or 12 years we'll have much better medication for it. Based on how I feel now, I'll be okay for at least 10 more years."
***
In contrast, National Enquirer's story is less hopeful with statements from Fox’s “pals” such as:
“Time is running out for brave Michael J. Fox, and he has come to the heartbreaking realization that he may never see a cure for Parkinson’s disease in his lifetime.”
“…star has suffered a string of behind-the scenes collapses that have left him exhausted and fearful for the future.”
“He is devastated that scientists seem no closer to finding a cure for Parkinson’s than they were 17 years ago….”
“But every night when he gets home, he literally collapses. It’s becoming more and more of a strain for him to live any kind of normal life.”
***
These two contrasting stories and accompanying photos made me question, ‘who is the real Michael J. Fox?’ Upon reflection, it seems like he is just like you and me, soldering on with good and bad parts of each day living with Parkinson’s.
Fox must feel tremendous pressure to maintain his positive image as a Parkinson’s advocate. He battles to make life better for himself and his fellow Parkinson’s sufferers. We want him to be hopeful and optimistic about finding a cure for Parkinson’s, not just for the next generation, but in our lifetimes.
Keep the faith, Michael.
Information on the Michael J. Fox Foundation can be located at: http://www.michaeljfox.org/
Hmmm...I never really did trust the Enquirer, although I will admit the stories and photos of the "batboy" were amusing. Do I doubt that MJF has collapsed a few times "behind the scenes?" No, I would say the odds are that he probably has. After all, he's only human, and we all have bad days. I just can't help how much of the Enquirer is sensationalized. I will have to say, however, that you raise a good point. He must be feeling "tremendous pressure to maintain his positive image as a Parkinson's advocate." And, like you, I too am curious to know who the real MJF is.
Posted by: Joe | December 03, 2008 at 10:15 PM