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Tracy Pollan opened up to PEOPLE in an exclusive interview about how she and husband Michael J. Fox balance his health, their family and their marriage
The Back to the Future actor, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease in 1991, shares four children with his wife of 37 years
Tracy also shared how their family has come together to support one another during difficult times
Tracy Pollanrevealed the secret to balancing all the aspects of her andMichael J. Fox's busy lives.
While speaking exclusively with PEOPLE at the Nov. 15A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Cure Parkinson'sgala in New York City, the actress, 65, shared insight into how she and her husband of 37 years make time for their recent acting projects, their family and their meaningful work with theBack to the Futurestar'sMichael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research.
"We just take it one day at a time, and it's worked," Tracy says, noting that she recently starred in Hallmark'sHoliday Touchdown: A Bills Love Story, while Michael, 64, will make an appearance in the third season ofShrinking.
"I'm excited about that," Tracy says of her Hallmark film, which also features current NFL stars, including Buffalo Bills safetyDamar Hamlinand coachSean McDermott. "I was in Buffalo for the premiere, and I've never seen a fan group like this. I mean, it was thousands of Bills fans and Hallmark fans just lining the street, and it was so special, so I'm really excited about that."
In addition to her recent onscreen endeavors, theFamily Tiesactress opened up about how she and kidsSam, 36,Aquinnah and Schuyler, 30, andEsmé, 24, havecome together amid Michael's journeywith Parkinson's disease.
"Michael was diagnosed before the girls were born and very, very early into Sam's life, so it's kind of all they know really," Tracy says. "And they're just incredibly supportive. They're very helpful to me. I lean on them a lot."
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"It's very difficult for the family, for the caregivers, and obviously for the patient, so I think it's also important to acknowledge that, and acknowledge that it's not just all sort of easy," she continues. "And it's hard for them, but they show up and they're there for us."
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Nine years after receiving his diagnosis in 1991, theTeen Wolfactor founded the largest nonprofit funding Parkinson's research. In addition to hosting the annual gala, held at Cipriani South Street, the foundationcelebrated its 25th anniversary this year.
"It's so amazing," Tracy, a member of the board of directors, tells PEOPLE of the foundation. "It's all of the work that they've done and all of the science that has been funded and the discoveries made that is just incredibly exciting, and you know it gives us so much hope and optimism. And then there are these supporters who have rallied around us and been with us for 25 years."
She adds, "It's very special to have this incredible group, and this is a lot of what tonight is — to help celebrate with them and thank them and show gratitude towards all of our supporters."
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