Michael on Katie Couric

[paula_w]

His med hadn't kicked in yet at first, which he admitted. In the second segment it looked like it had kicked in as he became more dyskinetic looking. I wonder how much middle ground, or balance, he has in a day.

He knocked his microphone off and Katie gracefully picked it up and put it back on. That interview was the single most powerful picture of Parkinson's I've ever seen.

I unabashedly admire and draw strength from Michael J. Fox. He is my hero.

http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?id=2129742


Paula

[indigogo]

What I would like to tell Michael -

I have never been more proud of you, nor have you ever been more brave. You are an eloquent spokesman for all who suffer from Parkinson's and all who would benefit from expanded federal funding for ESCR. Bravo!

Keep the faith,

[Thelma]

I have never been more proud of you, nor have you ever been more brave. You are an eloquent spokesman for all who suffer from Parkinson's and all who would benefit from expanded federal funding for ESCR. Bravo!


Perfectly said Carey

[Howardh]

find fault in the two excellent opinions expressed so far. Has any single individual done more for Parkinson's, than MJ Fox? His web site has generated 70 million dollars for research, he has fronted congressional hearings in Washington, been available for interviews with leading TV commentators and generated front page headlines this week which has raised the bar on ESCR and Parkinson's to unprecedented levels.

The man deserves the highest of awards.

GO HARD SCIENCE

[BobbyB]

But it’s what Fox has done with his illness that is most impressive. Since 2001, according to federal records, his Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research has raised an astonishing $80 million for research. Unlike most celebrity charities, the Fox Foundation has a Web site that even links to its most recent federal tax filing, and the filing is current.

This is an amazing achievement, considering how young the foundation is. Fox has turned his illness into something incredibly positive; the group even runs in the black, meaning its income is greater than its expenses. Last year the group finished with $7 million in the bank after giving away $17 million.

If you want to get into some real interesting reading on Parkinson’s, check out www.michaeljfox.org. Impressive!

[BobbyB]

Click here to see Michael J. Fox's campaign ad.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9WB_PXjTBo
__________________

[MikeTTF]

Thanks for the link Paula, I hadn't seen that interview.

Bravo to CBS for the length ... wow, 23 minutes.

I felt for Mike - he has to be exhausted by now ... he's my hero, too.

MikeTTF

His med hadn't kicked in yet at first, which he admitted. In the second segment it looked like it had kicked in as he became more dyskinetic looking. I wonder how much middle ground, or balance, he has in a day.

He knocked his microphone off and Katie gracefully picked it up and put it back on. That interview was the single most powerful picture of Parkinson's I've ever seen.

I unabashedly admire and draw strength from Michael J. Fox. He is my hero.

http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/i_video/main500251.shtml?id=2129742


Paula

[indigogo]

Howard & Bobby -

You are right - Mike is infinitely more than a talking head - he is a man of action. Not only did he invest energy in several important political campaigns that could turn on the issue of ESCR, but, when the Limbaugh controversy began raging, he handled it with dignity and grace while bringing awareness to the truth of living with PD. Powerful stuff. His foundation has more credibility in the realm of PD research than the NIH - MJFF regularly blazes new trails.

My phone has rung off the hook and my emailbox filled up with messages from family and friends ever since this hit the airwaves. He has really struck a chord.

[MikeTTF]

I wonder how much middle ground, or balance, he has in a day.

Yeah, I wonder, too.

Also wonder about his view on DBS surgery. Obviously he'd like stem cell research to come with a break through. (he did have a thalamotomy?)

MikeTTF

[pegleg]

Here's the transcript for the entire Fox/Couric interview:

http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/10/26/eveningnews/main2129702.shtml

I have met the bravest man alive!
Peg

[paula_w]

I think Bill O'Reilly did a good job of presenting the issues too and speaking of that , what are they fussing about with cloning? Does anyone know if this is the correct amendment? Also wanted to add that Bill seems to "get it" about why Mike did not go on.

this is an excerpt from a friend's email:

http://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/2006petitions/ppStemCell.asp (http://www.sos.mo.gov/elections/2006petitions/ppStemCell.asp)


the opposition needs to actually read the bill!

does not allow anyone to sell or purchase embryos
must be voluntarily donated
no human cloning allowed

all the points they are against are illegal under the amendment!!!!
so where is the argument??

Don't want to debate stem cells...just want to know where the alleged problem with the message is.

Paula

[Jaye]

and tonight, watching this interview, I feel and think that I recognize a brother--someone who acts on the basis of what's good for all people as he understands goodness, and does so with the conviction of someone who's thought long and hard about what "good" and "right" mean.

Further {THEOLOGY WARNING}, the pitiable thing is the choice of an actor who once played Jesus of Nazareth, by opponents of MJF's message, to give the marketable "feel" of goodness to their fearmongering, as if "real" goodness were not a serious state to be reckoned with. As I reflect on Mike's purpose, I conclude that it is Mike who is behaving as the Christ (or Life Force or Truth or Most Exalted Being) would have us behave.

JMHO,
Jaye

[indigogo]

OK, even the Chinese get it - this is a better statement of understanding than anything I've read in the American press!! (received this link from Carolyn). Unbelievable press coverage ......

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2006-10/26/content_5253493.htm

www.chinaview.cn 2006-10-26 18:21:46

Fox's symptoms typical of Parkinson's disease

BEIJING, Oct. 26 (Xinhuanet) -- Actor Michael J. Fox's appearance in several TV ads supporting Democratic Pary candidates and the scathing comments of conservative commentator Rush Limbaugh about Fox's physical symptoms of Parkinson's disease have ignited a firestorm of controversy.

Limbaugh first accused Fox of "acting" or "exaggerating" in order to make a more convincing commercial, then backtracked by suggesting the actor was being used by devious Democrats.

Many people, not only Limbaugh, don't understand how debilitating Parkinson's disease can be because most of us have never witnessed these symptoms unless we personally know someone struggling with this disabling condition.

Fox has a very severe form of Parkinson's that affected him at a young age. And he's undergone many aggressive treatments, including brain surgery.

The symptoms he displayed on the commercial are common Parkinson's disease symptoms.

The tremors Fox has shown in the past are characteristic of Parkinson's. The uncontrolled body movements that appeared during the commercials are also typical of Parkinson's -- and also possibly a side effect of one of his medications.

Despite all his treatment, Fox continues to have severe Parkinson's symptoms that are likely to get worse with the passage of time.

Unfortunately, current medications often may not work that well, especially as the disease progresses. That's why researchers are working furiously to find new and improved treatments for Parkinson's.

More information on Parkinson's disease symptoms and treatment can be found in WebMD's Guide to Parkinson’s disease.

[GregW1]

Of all the fine moments in which you have displayed great courage, dignity, and humility as an advocate for PWP's and other people with chronic conditions and illnesses, this was undoubtably your finest.

With the Deepest Respect,

Greg Wasson

[paula_w]

so much information out there....

http://www.cbsnews.com/sections/couricandco/main500803.shtml

hopefully good night
paula

[SherylJ]

Michael J Fox proved himself to be a real mensch tonight, which is the highest acclaim a person can achieve. I am proud to have Mike as the captain of my team. He could have lashed out at Rush, but he didn't. Instead he took the high ground and remained focused on the topic at hand... encouraging public support of ESCR.

Who might Limbaugh mock next... people on life support who are breathing too heavily, homeless people who don't have good personal hygiene,,,? Where will it end?

Sheryl

[ol'cs]

know what it's like to sit for one half of an hour, all skweamy and everything hands flipping all over the place, and feet going a mile a minute. And no, or at least very limited, conscious way of controlling it. I'm surprised that MJF would do an interview as long as that in such a hyperactive state.
YOu and I also know that that we get exhausted, because your brain is drained of a chemical that it needs to keep funtioning. In the video clip above, we see MJF at one of those very recognizable stages of the dosing cycle, it's one those states where youv'e got enough sinemet just starting to get into the system and it's like meds first thing in the morning a "Hard Reboot". It was if looking into a mirror, that's when I have to use a bit of Neurontin or Klonopin to "settle down".
And here, seeing MJF do one of our "daily performances":D ; things that we are often very self-concious of, just lettin' it all hang out in an interview was, to be truthful, quite a bit of a shock.
BUT, every bit of it is true, and he's still so alive in his head, but his body has betrayed him. That's one half hour in one parkie's life,. Multiply by millions and you have a sea o' hurtin'. LIfe shouldn't have to be this way; if the research community was empowered by support from all people, regardless of political association, then promises become reality.
MJK pretty well said it all. And stem cell technology is only a bridge to future therapies. History will record the eventual success or failure of stem cell technology only on how far it gets us to much more sensible therapies that don't involve any type of "harvesting" of millions of embryonic cells for tissue implants. The tissue implant potential therapy is a "bright target" to the cure of many diseases. As of yet we have not the tools that we need to find the ultimate cures that stem cell work will address. WE can only advance in this area if we are allowed to have unfettered access to stem cells (from any source right now) which get closer and closer to the ultimate goal of taking some of your own cells and cloning them into the "perfect" implant bioengineed tissue, made to order from yourself.
So, MJF is no "shill" for anybody, he will back any candidate that personally has the sense that spending federal monies on disease prevention and cures, is a noble pursuit. His involvement in the politics of PD (and other diseases) is warranted because he personally has built a research entity that is ready to "come alive" with stem cell research activity, making that promised "5 years" come closer to a reality.

[ol'cs]

First it doubled me then it throws me out when i try to edit:mad:

[Jaye]

Edited ok. There isn't a time limit.

[Wittesea]

Hi everyone, I'm Liz one of the mods here.

Is there somethig I can help with in terms of editing something?

If you need help, just tell me exactly what post needs an edit, and tell me exactly what you want to be added/removed or edited in the post and I would be happy to help.

[Thelma]

Why can't he do it himself

I just did

[Wittesea]

The software allows for unlimited editing time, so members can edit their own posts whenever they want to.

But if for any reason a member is having difficulties editing something, then the moderators can and will assist with editing, all a member has to do is ask us and provide the details about what they want edited.

In this thread, a member mentioned checking with a mod about editing, so as a mod I offered my assistance. If my assistance is wanted and needed I am here to help. :)

[stevem53]

I finally got around to watching the video..There are just no words, or enough positive words to describe the interview..It was complete, informative, inspirational, and I was impressed at how he got his points across, and especially when questioned about Rush mocking him for example without any retaliatory attacks..If it were me being interviewed as angry as I am over this whole thing..even though I know it would be wrong..If I had the opportunity to take my best shot at Rush on national TV..I dont know that I would have been able to restrain myself

Micheal is a true statesman, and conducted himself with grace

[Thelma]

I don't think you would Steve. When you are in the thick of it that is the time you shine through. It is easy to be yappy here lol but when the chips are down and the time is ripe you would take your turn at bat.

The next ones are going to be very interesting as the debate about this one will ensure many who didn't give a damn before will be watching.

Watching him as a fan and watching Parkinson's as well. They will see honesty and respect and decency as they haven't seen them pjortrayed for awhile on tv and in particular with candidates commercials.

The next big thing is to watch The Making of a Champion that was put out by Tena. That too is a heartbreaker.

Have you seen it yet if not please do.

That girl will always for me portray Parkinsons. Her and her Mom are people to admire just as much as MJF.

Keep us informed of your brother and his life please. Give him my regards.

Take care Thelma

off side to Tena .....By the way Tena if you need any copies of the film I still have 2 that I can send you.

[CTenaLouise]

I have one DVD just made to show young onset's "In Search of A Champion, but I have no idea how to tranfer the DVD to
GOOGLE...
sooooooooooooooo -?
Txlady and I are going to ask -the man named Carl at "Inside Edition"
if he can help us do so...
;)
luvya'

[paula_w]

Tena girl,

You just never know when you'll have an impact - pretty amazing isn't it? Go at it!

Paula