A non-reply reply for a good cause

Michael J. Fox


Reference Date: July 3rd



When I wrote to Michael J. Fox to tell him how much I admired his work in "Back To the Future", "Family Ties" and "Spin City" I knew full well that he was suffering from Parkinson's disease, and was busy raising money and awareness for research in an effort to eradicate this illness. I wasn't surprised to receive a reply from his charitable foundation explaining that he was too busy to answer mail. I am including the reply, and the link to the website in the hope that some reeaders of this blog will contribute, as I am, whatever sum they can to this worthy cause.


Dear Chris

Thank you for contacting Michael J. Fox at his Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

Michael, and everyone at the Foundation are deeply appreciative of your sincere letter. Unfortunately, Mr. Fox will not be able to personally respond.

Michael wishes he could respond to every worthwhile request he receives. However, all of his attention and the Foundation's resources are focused on finding a cure for Parkinson's disease. Thank you for understanding and know that we are grateful for your interest and wish you all the best.

In the five years since our inception, the Foundation has maintained an aggressive pace, serving as a catalyst and leader for the entire Parkinson's research community. With limited funds available, we strategically target our resources to achieve maximum scientific impact and in 2005 we drove critical research in several exciting areas including genetics, biomarkers and cell replacement therapies.

We are focusing the majority of our efforts on research that will yield tangible results, and while we continue to make great strides, we are aware that excellent science goes unfunded every day. Yet the fact is that more than six million people worldwide live with Parkinson's disease. Finding a cure has never been more urgent.

We urge you to stay involved in the fight against Parkinson's. This is an exciting time at the Foundation as we continue to search for high-impact opportunities that focus on priority areas of Parkinson's research.

For more information about the Foundation's activities, log on to our website at

www.michaeljfox.org.

We believe that this is a winnable war.

Thanks for your efforts and good wishes to help us get the job done!

Sincerely,

Colleen

Community Outreach Coordinator

I sent her a thank you the next day.