For the fourth straight year, both houses of Congress have officially declared April Parkinson’s Awareness Month. It’s a nice cap to a most successful, jam-packed month of events that began with Michael J. Fox on the cover of AARP The Magazine, and which will culminate in the 19th annual Parkinson’s Unity Walk this Saturday in New York City.
According to the official resolution, the Senate:
- Supports the designation of April as Parkinson’s Awareness Month;
- Supports the goals and ideals of Parkinson’s Awareness Month;
- Continues to support research to find better treatments, and eventually, a cure for Parkinson’s disease;
- Recognizes the people living with Parkinson’s who participate in vital clinical trials to advance the knowledge of the disease;
- Commends the dedication of State, local, regional, and national organizations, volunteers, researchers and millions of Americans across the United States working to improve the quality of life of persons living with Parkinson’s disease and their families.
The House of Representative similarly designated April to be Parkinson’s Awareness Month.
“As the loved one of someone afflicted by Parkinson's disease, I witnessed personally the effect of Parkinson's disease on my father,” said Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney of New York, who introduced the House resolution.
“As a result, I know first-hand we must provide support to the loved ones, caregivers, and researchers attempting to improve the welfare of those living with Parkinson's disease and their families.”
While Parkinson’s Awareness Month is soon coming to a close, there are plenty of ways to get involved with The Michael J. Fox Foundation year-round. We invite you to check out these opportunities.