The Michael J. Fox Foundation Annual Report 2016 – Frameworks for Progress | Page 34

In Memoriam
In June 2016, The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF)
and the Parkinson’s community mourned the passing of
Muhammad Ali while celebrating his iconic presence
and indomitable spirit.
Following two decades of unparalleled triumph in the
boxing ring, Ali retired from the sport in 1981, shortly
before his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis at age 42.
With his wife, Lonnie, by his side, he shifted focus to
advocacy and humanitarianism.
“Curing Parkinson’s disease once seemed impossible. But
momentum is at last on our side. We believe without fail
that cures are within reach if we dare to do more, not
less. Muhammad Ali showed us what it means to have
the heart of a champion. Now is our chance to honor
him by finishing the fight he could not.”
—Michael J. Fox and Todd Sherer, PhD, CNN.com
After Michael J. Fox revealed his PD diagnosis publicly
in 1998, he and Ali joined forces to shine a spotlight
on the critical need to fund research. Lonnie and
Muhammad Ali joined the MJFF Founders’ Council,
and Lonnie served on the Foundation’s Board of
Directors from 2001 to 2004.
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The Michael J. Fox Foundation