Michael J. Fox’s determination and “incurable optimism” have made him a true hero for many people dealing with all sorts of illnesses worldwide, including a young man from Michigan named Gideon.
Just two years ago, Gideon was suffering from an abscess in his brain caused by a sinus infection and cystic fibrosis. He was recovering in his hospital room when he watched a TV special called “The Incurable Optimist” with Michael J. Fox. Gideon was inspired to see a star who understood what dealing with an illness truly meant.
Unfortunately, after a second surgery on Gideon’s brain, the nerves to his eyes were destroyed and Gideon lost the majority of his sight. Michael J. Fox’s “incurable optimism” took on a fresh meaning for the teen and he was determined to work around his handicap. When he was asked by Kids Wish Network what he wanted to wish for, Gideon asked to meet his hero.
According to Gideon’s mom, she “didn’t know if it could be done, but when Madeline [Gideon’s Wish Coordinator] called to tell us that Michael J. Fox wanted to meet Gideon, it just all went so fast. Michael’s show was the last show he ever got to see with both eyes. It just stuck with him. He [Gideon] was also inspired by his book and what Michael J. Fox had done.”
For the wish, Gideon and his family were flown to New York and met Michael J. Fox at Central Park Zoo during a special hands-on tour of the zoo’s resident creatures. On the tour, Michael and Gideon really hit it off and talked for hours just like old friends; the topics of conversation ranged from movies to books, especially Michael J. Fox’s inspiring piece, Always Looking Up: The Adventures of an Incurable Optimist, to brain surgeries – the harrowing experiences that Gideon and Michael have both shared.
“He [Michael J. Fox] was so nice,” said Gideon’s mom. “They just talked and talked as the zoo people kept bringing in animals for them to meet and pet. The one I think Michael and Gideon enjoyed most was the hissing cockroach. They both really enjoyed petting it and listening to it hiss…he [Michael J. Fox] was just so sincere and so sweet. He even told us to call him Mike. He was just Gideon’s new friend, Mike.”
Before parting, Michael J. Fox even presented Gideon with signed copies of his books on CDs so the teen could listen to them as well as DVDs and other gifts. Gideon then presented a thank you letter to Michael that was printed in Braille. Michael was touched and said that he would frame the letter without glass so that it could still be read.
For giving young Gideon such an outstanding wish, Kids Wish Network gave Michael J. Fox a plaque, presented by Gideon, to welcome him into their special circle of Guardian Angels; he is truly a most understanding and kind Guardian Angel, and Kids Wish Network is proud to have him.
