'I Won't Stop Until It Happens': Michael J. Fox Raises $1 Billion To Find Cure For Parkinson's

October 19, 2021

20 years ago, Michael J. Fox launched the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research to help fund research for therapies and cures.

The charity has raised more than $1 billion.

Michael J. Fox

Fox was just 29 years old in 1991 when he was diagnosed with the long-term degenerative disorder.

His foundation, launched in 2000, has played an important role in developing therapies.

"They are therapies that have made life a lot better for a lot of people," he told Variety. "I enjoy life more. I'm more comfortable in my skin than I was 20 years ago. I can sit down and be calm. I couldn't do that 25 years ago.

Although therapies have been successful, the foundation's single goal is to eliminate Parkinson's completely.

"While we have made progress, much remains to be discovered," the foundation's website states. "Our relentless pursuit of a cure requires a dedicated and significant supply of human and financial capital. MJFF has funded over $1 billion in research programs to date, setting priorities in our portfolio that build on the field's unprecedented momentum."

Fox says he is hopeful that biomarkers will be the next big step in possibly preventing the disease.

"I just want to get this done," he says about finding a cure. "I'm committed to this. I won't stop until it happens."