Michael J. Fox is coming to the sad realization that he will likely never see a cure for Parkinson’s disease in his lifetime.
The actor who celebrates his 50th birthday on June 9 puts on a brave public face, but has been left devastated by a recent setback in Parkinson’s research.
Many scientists thought that a promising new type of stem cell called pluripotent stem cells would eventually lead to a cure for Parkinson’s. But in an unexpected blow, new research has found that the cells won’t be effective because they will be rejected by patients’ immune systems.
“It’s a crushing blow to Michael and some of the research that his foundation is funding,” an insider told the National Enquirer.
“Michael is seeing his life ebb away. Turning 50 is a wake-up call. He wonders if he’ll be able to dance at his kids’ weddings.
“Michael had such high hopes for this potentially miraculous stem cell therapy, but now it’s back to the drawing board.”