April 2021: Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month

WHEREAS, Parkinson's disease is a chronic and progressive neurological disorder affecting approximately 30,000 people in the state of Michigan; and,

 

WHEREAS, symptoms of Parkinson's disease include stiffness of the arms and legs; slowness of movement; tremors/trembling of hands, arms, legs, jaw, and face; poor balance and coordination; and speech and swallowing difficulties in addition to a host of secondary problems such as depression, loss of smell, and memory loss, which impact the quality of life; and,

 

WHEREAS, enormous psychological, emotional, and physical tolls burden people living with Parkinson's disease, and their care partners, family, and friends; and,

 

WHEREAS, there is no cure for Parkinson's disease, but the symptoms can be managed with medications, exercise, and surgery; and,

 

WHEREAS, in 2020, the Michigan Parkinson Foundation continued to expand the Respite Care Assistance Program to cover the entire state of Michigan as a response to increasing need and help required from caregivers; and,

 

WHEREAS, the Michigan Parkinson Foundation has been the primary independent non-profit organization in the state of Michigan for over 38 years. Its mission is to educate and provide assistance to people affected by Parkinson's disease, their loved ones, and care partners, support health care professionals who diagnose and treat individuals with the disease, and to ensure that everyone with Parkinson's disease or a related disorder has access to responsive quality care and support;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Gretchen Whitmer, governor of Michigan, do hereby proclaim April 2021 as Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month in Michigan.