Williams had Parkinson‘s, says wife
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<div>Health battle ... Robin Williams at an event in New York City in May 2013. Picture: Ben Gabbe/Getty Images</div>
Aug 15, 2014 5:06AM<div>
ROBIN Williams‘ wife revealed on Thursday that the actor was struggling with the early stages of Parkinson‘s disease as well as deep depression and maintaining his sobriety.
“Robin‘s sobriety was intact and he was brave as he struggled with his own battles of depression, anxiety as well as early stages of Parkinson‘s disease, which he was not yet ready to share publicly,†Susan Schneider said in a statement released by Williams‘ publicist.
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Parkinson‘s disease is a progressive disorder that gradually affects a person‘s nervous system and movements, causing those who struggle with it to lose control of everything but their mind.
“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,†she added.
“Robin spent so much of his life helping others. Whether he was entertaining millions on stage, film or television, our troops on the front lines, or comforting a sick child — Robin wanted us to laugh and to feel less afraid,†Schneider said.
Like Williams‘ children, Schneider said she‘s taken comfort in the support she‘s received from his friends and fans worldwide.
“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,†she said. “His greatest legacy, besides his three children, is the joy and happiness he offered to others, particularly to those fighting personal battles.â€
Like everyone else, I'm gonna miss this guy. Life sucks