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Rideau Hall says the honour stems from Michael J. Fox’s ‘powerful global advocacy and unflinching honesty about Parkinson’s.’Sammy Kogan/The Canadian Press
The actor and Parkinson’s disease advocate Michael J. Fox is set to be honoured at Rideau Hall this morning.
Fox, who is already a member of the Order of Canada, is being promoted to a companion in a ceremony hosted by Gov. Gen. Louise Arbour.
Rideau Hall says the honour stems from Fox’s “powerful global advocacy and unflinching honesty about Parkinson’s.”
Parkinson’s is a progressive nervous system disorder that results in tremors, stiffness and slowness, and is linked to depression and memory problems.
Fox has raised $2.5-billion for research into the disease and has shared candid experiences about the challenges faced by those living with its symptoms.
He is among 51 people expected at a ceremony today where they will be inducted into, or promoted to a higher level, within the Order of Canada.