Hint: It’s a significant pop culture anniversary.
David Johnston — known to many as The Amazing Mister J — is combining a celebration of Back to the Future with a fundraiser for Parkinson Society Canada.
“October 21, 2015, is the date they travel back to, in the second Back to the Future movie,” said Johnston. “A few years ago, I had the chance to see the DeLorean and had the opportunity to rent a DeLorean.”
It was around the same time Johnston’s family friend, Carol, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.
“I saw how debilitating it was first-hand,” he said. “I was able to see a vibrant, full-of-life woman transform into this woman with Parkinson’s. As a kid, Michael J. Fox was a hero to me. I even dressed up as him for Halloween when I was younger.”
Johnston said Fox, who played Marty McFly in the film franchise, has been a role model for many. Johnston read the actor’s book, Always Looking Up, in which Fox talks about getting more joy out of helping people with Parkinson’s than from his acting career.
When he was younger, Johnston even dressed up as Fox’s Alex P. Keaton character from Family Ties.
“Everyone said I looked like him.
“He’s Canadian, and I think it would be so cool to see somebody achieve what he did. He’s been a role model and he’s a great guy.”
Wednesday’s event runs from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the former Truro Home Video location on the Esplanade.
“Technically, in the movie, they landed in California at 4:29 p.m. Pacific time, so the Truro event time of 5:30 to 8 p.m. should be just before they officially ‘arrive’ at 8:29 p.m. Atlantic,” he said. “And back in the 1980s, people would have been renting videotapes at Truro Home Video, so it’s a fitting place to host this.”
Those attending the event, which is by donation (suggested $10), can have their picture taken with the DeLorean. They can also have pictures taken with Terry Angus, a Muppeteer with Jim Henson who worked with Muppets and Fraggle Rock stars. Many of the Muppets and Fraggles will be on site.
Mister J will host a live magic show, featuring live assistants — a rabbit and dove.
There will also be a collection of clothing, toys and memorabilia from the 1980s.
Twitter: @TDNRaissa
ABOUT PARKINSON’S DISEASE:
- Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disease. Dopamine, a chemical carrying signals between the nerves of the brain, controls one’s body movement, and when the cells producing dopamine die, the symptoms of Parkinson’s appear.
- Most common symptoms of Parkinson’s include tremors, slowness and stiffness, impaired balance, and rigidity of muscles.
- Other symptoms include fatigue, soft speech, problems with handwriting, stooped posture, constipation and sleep disturbances.
- Currently, there is no cure for Parkinson’s, however symptoms are treated with medication.
- As the disease progresses, non-motor symptoms may appear, such as depression, difficulty swallowing, cognitive changes, or sexual problems.
Source: Parkinson Society Canada
Hint: It’s a significant pop culture anniversary.
David Johnston — known to many as The Amazing Mister J — is combining a celebration of Back to the Future with a fundraiser for Parkinson Society Canada.
“October 21, 2015, is the date they travel back to, in the second Back to the Future movie,” said Johnston. “A few years ago, I had the chance to see the DeLorean and had the opportunity to rent a DeLorean.”
It was around the same time Johnston’s family friend, Carol, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.
“I saw how debilitating it was first-hand,” he said. “I was able to see a vibrant, full-of-life woman transform into this woman with Parkinson’s. As a kid, Michael J. Fox was a hero to me. I even dressed up as him for Halloween when I was younger.”
Johnston said Fox, who played Marty McFly in the film franchise, has been a role model for many. Johnston read the actor’s book, Always Looking Up, in which Fox talks about getting more joy out of helping people with Parkinson’s than from his acting career.
When he was younger, Johnston even dressed up as Fox’s Alex P. Keaton character from Family Ties.
“Everyone said I looked like him.
“He’s Canadian, and I think it would be so cool to see somebody achieve what he did. He’s been a role model and he’s a great guy.”
Wednesday’s event runs from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the former Truro Home Video location on the Esplanade.
“Technically, in the movie, they landed in California at 4:29 p.m. Pacific time, so the Truro event time of 5:30 to 8 p.m. should be just before they officially ‘arrive’ at 8:29 p.m. Atlantic,” he said. “And back in the 1980s, people would have been renting videotapes at Truro Home Video, so it’s a fitting place to host this.”
Those attending the event, which is by donation (suggested $10), can have their picture taken with the DeLorean. They can also have pictures taken with Terry Angus, a Muppeteer with Jim Henson who worked with Muppets and Fraggle Rock stars. Many of the Muppets and Fraggles will be on site.
Mister J will host a live magic show, featuring live assistants — a rabbit and dove.
There will also be a collection of clothing, toys and memorabilia from the 1980s.
Twitter: @TDNRaissa
ABOUT PARKINSON’S DISEASE:
- Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative disease. Dopamine, a chemical carrying signals between the nerves of the brain, controls one’s body movement, and when the cells producing dopamine die, the symptoms of Parkinson’s appear.
- Most common symptoms of Parkinson’s include tremors, slowness and stiffness, impaired balance, and rigidity of muscles.
- Other symptoms include fatigue, soft speech, problems with handwriting, stooped posture, constipation and sleep disturbances.
- Currently, there is no cure for Parkinson’s, however symptoms are treated with medication.
- As the disease progresses, non-motor symptoms may appear, such as depression, difficulty swallowing, cognitive changes, or sexual problems.
Source: Parkinson Society Canada
