Today, our founder Michael J. Fox was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor. The award recognizes individuals who have made exemplary contributions to the prosperity, values, or security of the United States, world peace, or other significant societal, public or private endeavors.

During a conferral ceremony at the White House, Michael was recognized as “one of the most beloved actors of our time with remarkable wit and charm.” He was honored for his boundless determination to change the future for millions living with Parkinson's: “With undaunted resilience and optimism, he also warms hearts and captivates audiences as a fearless advocate for those with Parkinson's disease. Channeling his endearing personality to advance treatments that move us closer to a cure and remind us of the power of American possibilities.”

President Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 honorees including leaders in sports, entertainment, civil rights, fashion, science and philanthropy. “These nineteen individuals are great leaders who have made America and the world a better place. They are great leaders because they are good people who have made extraordinary contributions to their country and the world,” read the White House press release.  

“Receiving the Presidential Medal of Freedom is humbling, an honor I could never have anticipated,” said Michael. “I’m grateful for this recognition, which I share with the patients, families and researchers who have brought us closer than ever to ending Parkinson’s disease once and for all.” 

Since it was founded in 2000, The Michael J. Fox Foundation has become the world's largest non-profit funder of Parkinson's research, deploying more than $2 billion to high-impact research programs. The Foundation's high-risk, high-reward model has enabled key breakthroughs in Parkinson's science and policy, including the 2023 discovery of a Parkinson's biomarker and the first-ever federal initiative to end Parkinson's, the National Parkinson's Project. 

Please join us in congratulating Michael on this incredible honor and recognition of the Parkinson’s community’s joint efforts to catalyze the search for better treatments and a cure.

Watch a video from the award ceremony below.