National Network for Equitable Library Service

In 1998, Michael J. Fox stunned the world by announcing that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease -a degenerative neurological condition. In fact, he had been secretly fighting it for seven years. The worldwide response was staggering. He recounts his life with ironic appreciation of the absurd - from his childhood days to his celebrated acting career. Most importantly, however, he writes of the last ten years, during which he had dealt with his illness. He talks about what Parkinson's has given him: the chance to appreciate a wonderful life and career, and the opportunity to help search for a cure. He feels as if he is a very lucky man indeed. "The ten years since my diagnosis have been the best ten years of my life, and I consider myself a lucky man." In 1998, Michael J. Fox stunned the world by announcing that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease - a degenerative neurological condition. In fact, he had been secretly fighting it for seven years. The worldwide response was staggering. He recounts his life with ironic appreciation of the absurd - from his childhood days to his celebrated acting career. Most importantly, however, he writes of the last ten years, during which he has dealt with his illness. He talks about what Parkinson's has given him: the chance to appreciate a wonderful life and career, and the opportunity to help search for a cure. He feels as if he is a very lucky man indeed.