The New Hampshire - Michael J. Fox Looks to the Future in Support of Shaheen

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The New Hampshire - Michael J. Fox Looks to the Future in Support of Shaheen

By: Erica Brien

As actor and activist Michael J. Fox stood in front of a packed crowd in the Granite State Room on Tuesday, it was obvious to see he has been struggling with Parkinson's disease.

His body was shaking behind the podium and many of his words slurred together as they echoed through the room. However, if there is one thing that the disease Fox was diagnosed with almost 10 years ago has not affected, it is his sense of humor.

"I would like to take a moment to appreciate the UNH Wildcats' Hockey Team," said Fox. "Being from Canada, I always said I was going to be a professional hockey player when I grew up.... I'm still waiting."

Parkinson's disease, a chronic and progressive movement disorder, slows down the delivery of messages from the brain to the body, resulting in tremors, stiffness of the limbs, slowness of movement and impaired balance and/or coordination, according to the Parkinson's Disease Foundation's website. The cause of Parkinson's disease is currently unknown and scientists have yet to find a cure.

Fox, who heads his own foundation for Parkinson's research has funded over $126 million towards finding better Parkinson's treatments, made his speech in support of Jeanne Shaheen, a candidate to represent New Hampshire in the United States Senate.

Fox campaigned with Shaheen because she supports the advancement of science through the development of embryonic stem cell research. Fox said it's time to use stem cell research to improve the lives of millions of people, and time to send Shaheen to the Senate.

In 2004, Fox also campaigned with Presidential Candidate John Kerry in support of stem cell research. In 2006, Fox returned to television in support of political candidates who promised to advance stem cell research when he appeared in 30-second TV ads for Benjamin L. Cardin, candidate for senate in Maryland, Claire McCaskill, Senate candidate in Missouri and Wisconsin Gov. Jim Doyle.

"It's time to let scientists be innovative and resourceful with no political barriers," said Fox.

Many scientists believe human embryonic stem cell research can be used to find a cure for many debilitating chronic diseases, including Parkinson's.

Sophomore UNH student Emily Burritt said that the speeches made by both Fox and Shaheen made a good point about how families are affected by the decision to support embryonic stem cell research and how things have to change in Washington in order to find a cure.

"It was interesting [to watch Fox] because he has been personally affected," said Burritt. "It was hard to watch him, but he drove the point home."

Heather Froehlich, a junior at UNH, said that Fox is the ultimate spokesperson for Shaheen.

"He was up there shaking, and the fact that he was up there to talk for her is amazing," said Froehlich.

For Shaheen, who campaigned for stem cell research in 2002, it is an issue that directly affects her family. In 2002, her granddaughter Elle was diagnosed with type-1 diabetes.

"I think it is important for kids like Elle and for millions of Americans dealing with the illnesses to have the benefits of the best health care and the best possible research that offers hope and health," said Shaheen.

Shaheen said this summer marked the seventh anniversary of
the restricting policy against stem cell research.

"I think we need a new direction on stem cell research in Washington," said Shaheen.

Shaheen said her opponent John Sununu was the only senator to stand against a bill that would have eased restrictions on embryonic stem cell research.

"Unfortunately John Sununu has stood with George Bush," said Shaheen.

In the past, President Bush has opposed research destroys human embryos.

Sununu has voted for legislation to allow additional research on stem cells under the existing guidelines.

Shaheen said she is ready to do everything she can to encourage researchers to find cures.

"We've lost seven years of potential advancement, seven years to develop cures," said Shaheen. "[It's time] to support embryonic research."

The election for U.S. Senate will be held on Nov. 4. More information about Parkinson's can be found online at www.pdf.org.

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