Michael J. Fox and Harrison Ford — two actors whose characters have raced through time, explored distant galaxies and, most recently, shared the screen on Apple TV’s award-winning series “Shrinking” — are teaming up once again, this time in a new brand campaign to raise awareness of Parkinson’s disease. The collaboration is part of The Michael J. Fox Foundation’s (MJFF) latest awareness campaign, “So...Your Friend Has Parkinson’s.”
Created in partnership with entertainment company Maximum Effort, helmed by MJFF Board member Ryan Reynolds, the video uses Michael’s signature humor and his lighthearted banter with Harrison to open conversation about how to show up for a friend with Parkinson’s. The video blends a gently humorous, accessible and compelling message, while surfacing some of the very real challenges of living with the disease, from changes in handwriting to social isolation. The Foundation’s 50-person Patient Council provided thoughtful feedback on the early creative direction of the brand campaign — including what they felt would best represent MJFF’s work, connect authentically with the Parkinson’s experience and help us reach a broader audience.
“The world has taken notice of the special relationship between Michael and Harrison. Our brand campaign combines humor and compassion to highlight the very serious purpose behind our work,” said Debi Brooks, MJFF’s CEO and Co-Founder. “It has been a joy to see these Hollywood giants come together to capture attention and channel it toward what matters most: bringing greater awareness and support to people and families living with Parkinson’s.”
At a time when Parkinson’s research is advancing at an unprecedented pace, bringing a worldwide community together has never been more important. Watch ‘So…Your Friend Has Parkinson’s’ at michaeljfox.org/BeAFriend and help raise awareness of the disease as MJFF works to accelerate a future of better treatments, greater understanding and, ultimately, an end to Parkinson’s. Follow along for the latest information and updates over email here.
Read more about the inspiration for the Foundation's brand campaign and video “So... Your Friend Has Parkinson’s," in an exclusive interview with Michael J. Fox in Town & Country.