Michael J Fox received a standing ovation as he made a rare appearance at the 2024 BAFTA Awards. And if you thought the crowd was clapping hard as Michael entered the stage, just wait until the actor gets out of his wheelchair to give his speech!
Thanks to playing Alex P. Keaton on the popular 80s TV sitcom Family Ties and Marty McFly in the Back to the Future movie trilogy, Michael J Fox has long been considered an iconic actor. But he's also suffered for more than three decades from a chronic disease.
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In 1991 at the young age of 29, doctors diagnosed Michael J Fox with Parkinson's Disease. Parkinson's is a progressive disorder of the central nervous system. It occurs when "brain cells that make dopamine, a chemical that coordinates movement, stop working or die." There can be a range of symptoms, including movement issues like tremors and balance problems, as well as other complications like fatigue and cognitive impairments.
While treatments are available, a cure for Parkinson's doesn't currently exist. A person must live with the disorder which will ultimately get progressively worse. And it's certainly made a huge impact on Michael J Fox's life.
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However, the star has handled his illness in such an inspiring way, creating The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. Through his non-profit, the actor has poured time and resources into seeking a cure. The organization also provides education and support for others who suffer from this disease. So, it comes as no surprise that during one of his rare public appearances, the crowd would honor Michael J Fox with a standing ovation.
The degenerative nature of Parkinson's Disease makes mobility difficult for Michael. And as a result, the actor doesn't make nearly as many appearances as he did years ago. However, the 62-year-old did attend the 2024 BAFTA Film Awards in London to present the award in the Best Film category.
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As an attendant pushed Michael J Fox in a wheelchair across the stage, applause broke out, building into an enthusiastic standing ovation. However, as Michael rose from his wheelchair and stepped to the podium for his speech, the cheering reached a fever pitch!
Filled with smiles, whistles, shouts, and even tears, Michael's appearance made an impact on everyone in the room.
Michael gave thanks for the touching welcome. Then, he acknowledged the power movies can have in our lives.
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"They're the best of what we do. No matter who you are or where you're from, these films can bring us together," he said. "There's a reason why they say movies are magic. Because a movie can change your day. It can change your outlook. It can sometimes even change your life."
From there, Michael went on to present the final award of the evening for the Best Film category (Oppenheimer won). But it's the impact of seeing this inspirational overcomer bravely facing this illness and paving a path of healing for others that makes the moment so powerful.
We will all face different challenges in this life. But we can draw close to God, who will not only strengthen us, but He will also provide us with opportunities to use the trials we go through to help others.
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"Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort; Who gives us comfort in all our troubles, so that we may be able to give comfort to others who are in trouble, through the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we undergo more of the pain which Christ underwent, so through Christ does our comfort become greater." 2 Corinthians 1: 3-5
h/t: E News
Featured Image Credit: Youtube/BBC
Mel is the senior writer for GodUpdates, finding, writing and sharing Christian, uplifting, and health-related stories from around the world. Mel has a passion for writing and graduated with a degree in English from Randolph-Macon College in Virginia. When she’s not researching and writing stories, Mel is very active in her church. You can usually find Mel playing board games with her husband and two young girls, giving someone a hug, or hunting down a good cup of coffee!