Michael J. Fox thanks those working on Parkinson's cure as he accepts award
Michael J. Fox has been honoured for his contribution to research into Parkinson's disease, after having established a foundation following his own diagnosis decades ago.
The actor, 62, was diagnosed with the condition in around 1991 and he later set up The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research, which is "dedicated to finding a cure".
He was honoured for his advocacy in the field at the Bits & Pretzels HealthTech convention in Munich earlier this week, with him accepting an award at the event on Tuesday.
He was among the guests at the ICM Munich for the annual conference, which is said to bring "startup founders, investors, corporates and healthcare regulators" together.
Michael J. Fox was honoured with the Frontier Award at Bits & Pretzels HealthTech 2023 in Munich earlier this week (Getty Images)He became the inaugural recipient of the Frontier Award, which honours people who "venture into the unknown, face adversity with courage and persist with optimism".
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Organisers had said that he was receiving the award after dedicating his life to research for the condition through The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.
They stated that the retired actor's advocacy and efforts have "propelled the search for a cure and positioned his foundation as a leading voice in scientific philanthropy."
Michael received a standing ovation from the audience at one point and according to the Daily Mail he took the opportunity to thank others for their work in the field.
The outlet said that the actor - best known for his role in the Back to the Future trilogy - thanked doctors and medical staff in the crowd for their work on finding a cure.
He told the audience: "I so appreciate you, your dedication, and so many of you bring so much intelligence and curiosity, and enthusiasm to the field."
The actor, pictured on stage with presenter Eckart von Hirschhausen, was among those in attendance at the annual convention on Tuesday (Getty Images)Whilst at the healthcare convention in Germany, Michael also took part in a discussion on stage at the ICM Munich alongside presenter and physician Eckart von Hirschhausen.
Christian Lohmeier, CEO of conference Bits & Pretzels, said prior to the event: "As we unveil this new honour, we couldn't think of a more deserving first recipient than Michael."
He further commented about the actor and activist: "His incredible journey, marked by resilience, courage, and an indomitable spirit, has inspired millions around the world".
The NHS states that there is no cure for Parkinson's disease currently, but notes that treatments are available to help reduce some symptoms and benefit quality of life.
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