Michael J. Fox Highlights Parkinson’s Fight and $3 B Foundation Funding

Hollywood actor Michael J. Fox spoke at the third Social Impact Summit, organized by The Hollywood Reporter and the Social Impact Fund, describing how his Parkinson’s diagnosis in 1991 and the hardest moments for his family were his wife Tracy Pollan’s struggle. Fox said he chose to reveal his condition publicly to reduce stigma and rally support. Since founding the Michael J. Fox Foundation in 2000, the organization has raised and allocated more than three billion dollars to Parkinson’s research, accelerating early‑diagnosis efforts.

At the same event, veteran actor Harrison Ford accepted the “Philanthropic Organization of the Year” award on behalf of the foundation. Ford recalled Fox’s early disclosure and praised the foundation’s impact, noting that portrayals such as Paul Rudd’s character in the series “Shrinking” have helped raise awareness. Both speakers emphasized the need for continued funding and optimism that a cure will eventually be found.