Michael J. Fox Tours UW Facility

Hollywood actor takes a look at his money in action.

Actor and Parkinson's Disease sufferer Michael J. Fox toured the UW lab where researchers hope to find a cure for his disease.

Fox spent more than an hour at the Waisman Center Monday where he was able to look at stem cells through a microscope for the first time. His organization, the Michael J. Fox Foundation has awarded UW scientists $1.2 million for stem cell research. It's believed stem cells could one day be grown into a particular type of human cell, which could then be used to cure diseases like Parkison's. ''There's nothing Frankenstinian happening here,'' said Fox after his tour. ''It's good science and it's for the benefit of all people.'' Outside the Waisman Center at the same time was a small vigil formed by members of Pro-Life Wisconsin. The group opposes the use of any embryonic stem cells, which UW studies.

''We are just trying to encourage him to direct his resources to adult stem cell research that is life saving, it works, and its ethical,'' said Matt Sande of Pro-Choice Wisconsin.

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