Actor and philanthropist Michael J. Fox has been awarded the Elevate Prize Catalyst Award for this year. The star of “Back to the Future” plans to use the prize to further his foundation’s work in finding treatments for Parkinson’s disease.
Fox, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1991 at the age of 29, received the award at the Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) conference in New York. The Elevate Prize Foundation, along with a $250,000 grant, will provide support to amplify the winner’s messaging. Last year, the prize was awarded to Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who interviewed Fox onstage at CGI, praised him for his research advances in understanding Parkinson’s. Fox stated that after receiving support from his family following his diagnosis, he went public without hesitation.
“There’s such shame associated with this illness,” Fox said. “It’s so ridiculous, this great need to keep it secret. The cruel thing of it is it’s going to out you eventually.”
Former President Bill Clinton also expressed his admiration for Fox, describing him as “brave” and “good.” Joseph Deitch, founder of The Elevate Prize Foundation, referred to Fox as a “lightning rod for good” while presenting him with the award.
Fox’s foundation has raised over $2 billion for research since its inception in 2000, significantly contributing to the understanding of Parkinson’s disease. Carolina García Jayaram, CEO of the Elevate Prize Foundation, praised Fox for embodying this year’s CGI theme of “Keep Going” and described him as the “perfect person at the perfect time.”
In April, a biomarker for Parkinson’s disease was identified for the first time. Deborah Brooks, co-founder and CEO of the Michael J. Fox Foundation, emphasized the importance of the award in supporting their ongoing efforts to drive progress in neuroscience. The foundation aims to increase awareness and participation in research and testing programs through initiatives such as the Fox Trial Finder.
As new developments in treatment and detection require significant funding, Fox plans to use the Elevate Prize Catalyst Award to increase his profile and raise awareness about how individuals can contribute to finding a solution for Parkinson’s disease.
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