Muhammad Ali celebrates 70th birthday

Posted by Linda Curtis On Tuesday, January 17th 2012 in Sports

Muhammad Ali celebrated his 70^th birthday today. In 1984 the vibrant star was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Soon afterward his fans started wondering how long they would be able to enjoy the sight of a living and breathing Muhammad Ali. His daughter Rasheda, however, was never one to worry. She explained that his disease did not put a stopper to his ability to inspire.

“He contracted Parkinson’s in the early 80s,” said Rasheda, who wrote the book, “I'll Hold Your Hand So You Won't Fall: A Child's Guide to Parkinson's Disease,” about the condition. “To be 70, in the late stages and moving around, I’m incredibly impressed with his attitude. He never feels sorry for himself. He always taught us that nothing bothers him. He’s never complained, never said, ‘Why me?’ That’s made us stronger, how he reacts. He’s very healthy, takes all his medications, his wife (Yolanda) is a great caregiver. His being here has a lot to do with family, and his great mental attitude.”

She said she hopes that progress will be made and a cure for the disease will be found.

“I hope in my dad’s lifetime he’ll be cured of condition,” she said. “I have to be positive, that gives me hope, I can’t let go of hope.”

Rasheda said ever since her youth she had known how loved her father was.

“It was a lot harder to share him when I was younger, I wanted to be around him, wanted to be a big part of his life. But I knew at an early age I had to share him with the world. There were frustrations but I knew he was giving so much to so many millions of others.”