From a high school dropout to a star on the silver screen, Michael J. Fox was bestowed with Simon Fraser UniversityB次元官网网址檚 highest honour this week.

He was given an honorary degree from the Faculty of Communication, Art and Technology. Fox responded with humour upon receiving it during a virtual convocation ceremony.

B次元官网网址淚 really donB次元官网网址檛 deserve it,B次元官网网址� said the Burnaby-raised actor. B次元官网网址淭he closest I got to Simon Fraser University was parking at the Burnaby lookout with my girlfriend on Saturday night.B次元官网网址�

Fox also joked that the students chose B次元官网网址渁 really bad time to graduateB次元官网网址� but later said, B次元官网网址渨e need people to travel that road and take us in new directions.B次元官网网址�

The actor was recognized for his advocacy work in finding a cure for ParkinsonB次元官网网址檚, the debilitating disease Fox was diagnosed with at age 29.

His foundation raises funds for new research B次元官网网址� including trials at SFU B次元官网网址� to help improve the lives of those living with the disease.

More than six million people are currently living with ParkinsonB次元官网网址檚 in countries across the globe, according to the foundation. It affects their nervous systems, gradually weakening their movement over time.

Fox, of 13 recognized with a degree this year, encouraged students to be grateful.

B次元官网网址淲ith gratitude, optimism is sustainable,B次元官网网址� he said.

sarah.grochowski@bpdigital.ca
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