Tracy Pollan believes that her husband Michael J. Fox’s children are more empathetic because of their dad’s longtime battle with Parkinson’s disease.
While the actress was quick to note she doesn’t believe they are “better people” because of the diagnosis, she “definitely” believes it led to them having greater compassion for others.
“I do think that growing up with a parent who has a health challenge, it just brings out an empathy and protection naturally, and they’ve always been like that,” she told Page Six at the annual “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Cure Parkinson’s” Gala on Saturday night.
Last year, Pollan — who married Fox in 1988 — confessed that it can sometimes be “hard” to stay optimistic while Fox continues to battle the progressive neurological disorder.
Pollan, 65, and Fox, 64, share four children: Sam, 36, twins Aquinnah and Schuyler, 30, and Esmé, 24.
The “Back to the Future” star started to display symptoms of early-onset Parkinson’s in 1991 and was diagnosed shortly after.
He went public with his diagnosis in 1998 and has been a staunch advocate for research.
His foundation, The Michael J. Fox Foundation, has raised over $100 million, which has been invested into research.
Saturday night marked the 25th anniversary of the gala, which always features musical guests and comedians, along with Fox’s family and friends.
“It really is like coming home,” Pollan said about the gala. “I mean, it’s just, first of all, we’ve had the most amazing performers, so it’s always something to look forward to.
“I’m always excited to see the comics and the musical guests and just to be surrounded by all of these…our family is here, our friends are here, our supporters are here, and it’s just a big hug. This whole room is like a big hug.”
This year, Jackson Browne performed, Denis Leary hosted, and Jon Stewart, Colin Quinn, and Nikki Glaser performed stand-up sets.
