via People.com

Michael J Fox spoke out about Parkinson’s disease on the Oprah Winfrey Show yesterday. But Michael is many things, and he refuses to let Parkinson’s disease define him. The actor spoke to Oprah about his new book, Always Looking Up, a memoir about his life since his diagnosis.

"It's like having a 4-year-old climbing on you all the time," the star told Oprah on her show that aired yesterday, "and so whatever you're trying to do, you've got this 4-year-old and you're … just trying to be patient and focus on what you need to do."

To prove to himself and others that he won’t let the disease keep him back, Michael put on some skates and bladed around a hockey rink. While his condition keeps him from some activities like running, he is still able to drive a car and tear up the ice.

"I'm a dad, I'm a husband, I'm an activist, I'm a writer and I'm just a student of the world," he says. "This is one fact of my life, but it's not the totality of my life. It doesn't define me."

Michael also spoke about the ban on stem cell research being lifted. "It was absolutely crucial that this research be unfettered and allow us to go forward in a responsible way. It's an exciting day." He was been fighting for more federal funding for research for the past decade.

What can you take from Michael’s experience and give to others? And how do you feel about the stem cell research opportunities? Comment below.

By CGG reporter, Caroline Kotter