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Naples Daily News, FL Michael J. Fox addresses new doctors at Miami graduation Monday, May 12, 2003 Associated Press MIAMI — Michael J. Fox urged the next generation of doctors to "care deeply" about medical research that will advance the treatment of incurable diseases when he addressed the graduating class of the University of Miami Medical School. Fox, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1991, addressed more than 130 graduates at Saturday's ceremony as both a patient and a medical research advocate. "In the last few years, I've gone from talking to my agent on my cell phone to discussing cell biology with leading physicians," said Fox, 41. He stressed the importance of supporting medical research that will advance the treatment of incurable diseases. "I urge you as physicians to care deeply about these issues and add your voice and your vote into the public debate," he said. University of Miami President Donna Shalala, who sits on the board of Fox's foundation, presented him with the president's medal. It was the first she has awarded. Fox announced in 1998 that he had Parkinson's, a disease marked by tremors, stiffness and imbalance. Since 2000, Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research has provided more than $20 million for Parkinson's research, including a $375,000 grant awarded to Mayo Clinic Jacksonville in January. Abnormal deposits of proteins seem to be a trademark of the disease affecting 1 million Americans, including Fox, Muhammad Ali and former U.S. Attorney General Janet Reno, who ran for governor of Florida last year. On the Net: The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research: http://www.michaeljfox.org University of Miami School of Medicine: http://www.med.miami.edu/ Information from: The Miami Herald, http://www.herald.com SOURCE: The Naples Daily News, FL http://www.naplesnews.com/03/05/florida/d873985a.htm * * * ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn