"Anytime you receive an honor with the words legacy or hero attached, you know there’s been a mistake. I am certainly not worthy of that level of celebration, but the Parkinson’s community is. And I’m very proud on behalf of all the people with Parkinson’s and their families who fight so hard for a cure and fight so hard for answers and new drugs in the pipeline and through our Foundation find a way to realize that," Michael J. Fox said while accepting the CNN Heroes Legacy Award on Sunday, December 8th, 2024.
CNN released its 18th annual list of “CNN Heroes” to an impressive group of everyday people who are making extraordinary contributions to help improve the lives of others. The CNN Heroes Legacy Award, which honors not-so-everyday people dedicated to a lifetime of service, celebrates Michael J. Fox’s unwavering dedication to find a cure for Parkinson’s disease over the last two decades. Previously only endowed upon former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and the late Former First Lady, Rosalynn Carter, the award now too applauds the courage and tenacity of our fearless leader, who has made it his life’s work to end Parkinson’s disease. (Learn more about the CNN Heroes Legacy Award here.)
Presenting the award to Michael, CNN host Anderson Cooper shared a powerful introduction: “His advocacy has improved countless lives, but the optimism and resilience Fox has shown on his journey inspires us all.”
The honor recognizes the recent major milestone reached by The Michael J. Fox Foundation last year with the discovery of a biomarker for Parkinson’s disease. The discovery is leading to an improved understanding of Parkinson’s pathology and increased momentum toward new treatments to halt the disease in its tracks and, eventually, to find a cure.
Accepting the award virtually, Michael reflected candidly on the power of community in making today’s research momentum possible with over $2 billion funded since the Foundation's inception in 2000:
“I’m so proud to be a part of it, but I’m just a part of it. It’s all of you that are making a difference. So, thank you again. I am humbled, I am grateful, and with gratitude, optimism is sustainable.”
Please join us in congratulating Michael on this incredible honor and the enormous strides the Parkinson’s community has taken toward a cure for Parkinson’s disease. Watch the CNN Heroes Legacy Award video below.
Inspired? Here are a few ways you can be part of our mission to cure Parkinson's, too: