Fox lecture

Michael J. Fox is remembered by some as Alex P. Keaton from the NBC series "Family Ties." Others remember him from his many movies, possibly none more memorable than his role as Marty McFly in the "Back to the Future" trilogy. Tonight the actor, author and Parkinson's disease activist takes the stage at the Show Me Center as part of the Southeast Missouri State University Speaker Series.

Diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson's disease in 1991, Fox did not publicly discuss his diagnosis for seven years. Today, in addition to his writing and acting career, he is also involved in his charitable organization, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.

Fox's lecture is titled "Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist." The lecture title is from his book, a New York Times best seller, in which he talks about how he dealt with the physical and emotional struggles brought on by Parkinson's disease. But Fox, as you can glean from the book and lecture title, has taught himself to be optimistic and look for positives no matter the challenge.

Tickets for tonight's lecture, priced at $10 for the public, are still available and may be purchased at the Show Me Center box office, online at www.ShowMeCenter.biz or by phone at 651-5000. Southeast students and employees with a valid Redhawks ID card will receive free admission. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., and the lecture begins at 7:30 p.m.

Consider attending tonight's lecture. We could all learn to be more positive and optimistic, and Fox's talk looks to be an inspirational one that many will enjoy.