MADISON, Wis. -- Since actor Michael J. Fox announced he had Parkinson's disease and created his foundation in 2000, he's been a public face on a disturbing disease.

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He's also fought for research to move forward, and on Tuesday he saw what Madison can do and called it "the gold standard."

In an hour-long show and tell at the University of Wisconsin's cutting-edge research lab, the Waisman Center, Fox jokingly said he was there to kick the tires. His foundation has granted the UW Waisman Center four times, totaling $1.2 million

Gov. Jim Doyle, whose mother also has Parkinson's, toured the Waisman Center with Fox. Doyle recently announced a billion-dollar public-private push for research.

Tuesday was the first time Fox had seen developed stem cells through a microscope.

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Michael J. Fox In Madison

"You come to a place like the Waisman Center -- there is no other place like it," Fox said. "There isn't another Jamie Thompson, there isn't another Madison, there isn't another Waisman Center."

Fox's foundation money means so much, but his public words can mean even more. He is the spokesman for Parkinson's research. It's something, he said, he just fell into.

"At first, I didn't know what would be required of me or how to react to that," he said. "It's not about me. I'm part of the delivery system for this phase of supporting the research and so as much as I can be of service I will be. I hope one day to be out of a job."

Until then, there are many who look to him for inspiration, including a group from Sun Prairie that raised $26,000 in three years through raffle tickets.

"He's very inspirational," said Don Klein. "It was interesting and fun to see him this close. I've seen him on TV for years, but to see him this close. I got a picture with him, and I think that's great."

Fox said it's a great time to be alive and he's optimistic a cure for Parkinson's is on the way.