Robin Williams' wife, Susan Schneider has made her first statement since the passing of her comedian husband, revealing the star was suffering from the early stages of Parkinson's disease before his untimely death.
Now Michael J Fox, who has famously battled with the disease himself since the early 1990's, has responded to the revelations, admitting he is "stunned" by the diagnosis, describing the actor as a "true friend".
Assuring his 1.16 million followers, Michael insisted he was certain Robin's generosity towards his Parkinson's foundation had nothing to do with his diagnosis in a tweet reacting to the news, he posted: "Stunned to learn Robin had PD. Pretty sure his support for our Fdn predated his diagnosis. A true friend; I wish him peace".
Michael J. Fox Responds to "friend" Robin Williams's PD diagnosis (Twitter/US Weekly)
Susan bravely spoke out just days after her beloved husband, Robin passed away at their home in Tiburon, California on Monday (11.08.14) age just 63.
Thanking fans for their outpouring of support, explaining her husband "was not ready to share publicly" stressing "his sobriety was intact" at the time of his suicide.
In a public statement, Susan shared: "Robin spent so much of his life helping others. Whether he was entertaining millions on stage, film or television, our troops on the frontlines, or comforting a sick child – Robin wanted us to laugh and to feel less afraid.
Robin's wife reveals husband's Parkinson's Disease Diagnosis (Splash News)
"Since his passing, all of us who loved Robin have found some solace in the tremendous outpouring of affection and admiration for him from the millions of people whose lives he touched. His greatest legacy, besides his three children, is the joy and happiness he offered to others, particularly to those fighting personal battles."
She explained: "Robin's sobriety was intact and he was brave as he struggled with his own battles of depression and anxiety as well as early stages of Parkinson's Disease, which he was not ready to share publicly.
"It is our hope in the wake of Robin's tragic passing, that others will find the strength to seek the care and support they need to treat whatever battles they are facing so they may feel less afraid."
For confidential support if you are experiencing depression please contact the Samaritans.
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