After years of researching Parkinson’s disease, Michael J. Fox was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom
Actor, author and advocate Michael J. Fox has received the nation’s highest civilian honor.
On January 4, Fox received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of his efforts in Parkinson’s disease research with the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s research (MJFF).
President Biden presented the medal to The white house ceremony honoring individuals who have made “exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant social, public, or private endeavors,” according to a press release.
Fox’s stage introduction read: “Michael J. Fox is one of the most beloved actors of our time. With extraordinary wit and charm, he has brought iconic characters to the center of American culture, from Alex P. Keaton to Marty McFly and more.”
US President Joe Biden presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Michael J. Fox during a ceremony in the East Room of the White House on January 4, 2025. (REUTERS/Ken Cedeno)
“With fearless resilience and optimism, he also warms hearts and captivates audiences as a fearless advocate for Parkinson’s disease sufferers,” the introduction continues. “Channeling his lovely personality to advance treatment brings us closer to a cure and reminds us of the power of American opportunity.”
The White House press release also recognized Fox for winning five Emmy Awards, four Golden Globe Awards, two Screen Actors Guild Awards and a Grammy Award, as well as being a “world-renowned advocate for Parkinson’s disease research and development.”
“Receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom is humbling, an honor I could not have expected.”
“Receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom is humbling, an honor I could not have expected,” Fox said in an MJFF press release.
“I am grateful for this recognition to share with the patients, families and researchers who have brought us closer than ever to ending Parkinson’s disease once and for all.”
President Joe Biden presents the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, to Michael J. Fox, center, in the East Room of the White House on Jan. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Cenet)
Since its launch in 2000, the Fox organization has become the largest non-profit organization in the world for Parkinson’s disease research, according to the MJFF.
In 1991, Fox was diagnosed with a progressive brain disorder.
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The MJFF has awarded more than $2 billion for “high-impact global research programs” to accelerate treatment and cures.
The foundation recently marked a groundbreaking discovery biomarkers for Parkinson’s disease in 2023, as well as the establishment of the National Parkinson’s Disease Project—a 2024 bill that launches the “first federal initiative” to accelerate research and improve patient care.
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Parkinson’s disease is now the second most common and fastest growing disease neurological disease worldwide, according to MJFF.
Fox has lived with Parkinson’s disease since he was first diagnosed in 1991, which led to the founding of MJFF in 2000. (Leigh Vogel/Pool/Sipa USA)
It is estimated that more than one million Americans, including 110,000 US military veterans, are living with the disease today.
As these numbers rise, studies predict that cases of Parkinson’s disease will double globally by 2040.
Along with Fox, there have been 18 other recipients of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, including Jose Andres, Bono, Ash Carter, Hillary Clinton, Tim Gill, Jane Goodall, Fannie Lou Hamer, Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Robert Francis Kennedy, Ralph Lauren, Lionel Messi, Bill Nye, George Romney, David Rubenstein, George Soros, George Stevens, Jr., Denzel Washington and Anna Wintour.
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Fox News Digital’s Ashley Hume contributed to this report.
