The Michael J. Fox Foundation

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research is the largest private funder in the U.S. of medical research into Parkinson's disease.^[1]

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The foundation was established by actor Michael J. Fox in May 2000, shortly after announcing his retirement from the ABC television show Spin City. In 1998 Fox publicly disclosed that he had been diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson's seven years earlier.

The Foundation is dedicated to ensuring the development of a cure for Parkinson's disease within this decade through an aggressively funded research agenda. Its strong focus is on "translational" research -- that is, the work of translating basic science discoveries into practical treatments with potential to benefit the estimated six million people living with Parkinson's today.

Enormous progress toward finding a cure has been made on many neurological fronts, and scientists' understanding of the brain and how disease affects continues to increase dramatically. The Foundation drives progress by awarding grants to ensure that the most promising research avenues are thoroughly funded, explored and carried forward toward their ultimate payoff -- new therapies and a cure.

To date the Foundation has funded more than $95 million in research directly or through partnerships.^{[2][3][4][5][6][7]}

Team Fox

Team Fox for Parkinson's Research is the foundation’s grassroots community project raising funds and awareness for Parkinson’s research.

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