Michael J. Fox Advocates at Parkinson's Gala

Michael J. Fox, known for his iconic roles in 'Back to the Future' and 'Family Ties,' continues to advocate for Parkinson's disease research, having founded the Michael J. Fox Foundation in 2001 after being diagnosed in 1991. At the foundation's annual gala, 'A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Cure Parkinson’s,' Fox discussed the challenge of maintaining a dark sense of humor amidst his battle with the disease, emphasizing its role in breaking down taboos and fostering open discussions. The gala, hosted by Denis Leary, featured performances by Stevie Nicks and Fox, raising $116 million for research. Fox's foundation has raised a total of $1.75 billion since its inception, becoming the largest nonprofit funder for Parkinson’s research. The event also celebrated Fox's resilience and sense of community, with many long-time supporters in attendance.