Michael J. Fox Foundation has registered in Canada

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research announced on Thursday that it has registered as a tax-exempt charity in Canada.

The foundation web site reports on the news:

“Our new status as a registered Canadian charity gives us the exciting opportunity to further awareness of the tremendous advances in Parkinson’s research,” says Katie Hood, CEO of MJFF. “Any new exposure that our Foundation can bring to Parkinson’s disease is a plus for all organizations working toward a cure.”

On Thursday the MJFF will launch a day of activities in Toronto along with the McEwen Centre for Regenerative Medicine and Toronto Western Hospital, part of the University Health Network. The day will end with a gala fund-raiser this evening. Canadian born Fox was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 1991. The actor starred in the 1980s television show Family Ties. He was starring on Spin City when his shaking appeared. Parkinson's kills the dopamine in the brain. The chemical control motor function, and as the disease progresses sufferers endure uncontrollable shaking. Staring now, all donations that are sent in Canada to the foundation will be tax-deductible.