 |
 |
For those on the List who could not see the letter: Dear Mr. Fox: On behalf of the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation (PDF), I want to add my own expression of sympathy, respect and admiration on the recent announcement concerning your medical condition. You have so clearly handled your various challenges with enormous courage, grace and dignity. I think you would be touched by the literally hundreds of expressions of love and support that I have monitored as they flowed through our little corner of the Internet over the holiday weekend. May they serve to strengthen further your spirit and your optimism. As time goes by, there will undoubtedly be calls on you to take advantage of that powerful potential for advancing the drive to cure Parkinson’s that mega-celebrity uniquely confers. In our diverse and feisty Parkinson’s community, which is served by no less than five reputable national organizations and many thousands of champions, advocates and volunteers, this may mean some competition for your time and energy that I believe we all have an obligation to restrain. If it would be helpful for you to have the PDF meet with you personally or to play a role in convening the various organizations to discuss this matter with you or your representatives, I hope you will so advise us. I also hope that you will tell us if there is any personal matter--from obtaining consultations with medical specialists to making connections with other people with Parkinson’s whose experience might be instructive or supportive to you--in which the Foundation may be of assistance to you. You may reach me easily at the telephone, fax or e-mail contact numbers that are indicated below. On a personal note: as the father of two young women who were born and raised literally around the corner from your Manhattan apartment and who have basked in your magical stage and screen presence since the first episodes of “Family Ties,” I feel as though I know you personally, as a talented, decent and warm human being who has somehow managed to resist taking too seriously his well-deserved fame. This feeling, which I am sure is shared by many millions of others around the world, gives an intimacy to our expressions of sympathy for your situation and an almost personal pride in your courage at coming forth so forthrightly. We have no right to it but there it is. Our thoughts, prayers and good wishes are with you and your family. Sincerely yours, Robin Anthony Elliott