"This is a disease that affects the lives of many residents of St. Lawrence and Jefferson counties and around our entire state, with an estimated 42,000 people living with the disease throughout New York, and that number doesn’t account for the care partners, family members and friends who are also impacted by a Parkinson’s diagnosis. Parkinson's disease (PD) took the spotlight last June with the death of boxing champion and human rights activist Muhammad Ali," Assemblywoman Jenne said.
"Ali was first diagnosed with the disease three decades earlier. His long battle with Parkinson’s is a reminder there are family members, friends and neighbors right here facing physical, emotional and financial challenges due to this disease," Assemblywoman Jenne said.
She pointed out that 1 million Americans have been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease and a new diagnosis is made every 9 minutes in the United States alone. Parkinson's disease is a chronic neurodegenerative disease characterized by motor problems including slowness of movement, rigidity, and tremor. Balance and gait problems may occur later in the course of illness. Common non-motor symptoms of PD include sleep problems, constipation, anxiety, depression, and fatigue, among others. There currently is no cure.
Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month helps put a spotlight on the debilitating disease to help find better ways to prevent and detect the progressive neurological condition, providing effective care for the disease, and ultimately finding a cure.
Assemblywoman Jenne has sponsored this resolution each year since 2012, and for the second year, she welcomed members of the American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) to Albany to be introduced on the floor of the Assembly and to be present for the passage of the resolution. For more than 55 years, APDA has led the charge as the nation’s largest grassroots organization serving the needs of those touched by Parkinson’s by providing the support, education and research to help people impacted by Parkinson’s live life to the fullest.
“APDA is working hard to bring as much attention to this disease as possible, to educate more people about the symptoms so they know what to look for and what to do if diagnosed, and make sure people know we are here for them during their Parkinson’s journey,” states Leslie A. Chambers, President and CEO, American Parkinson Disease Association. “Simultaneously, we fund promising research by experienced and young scientists who are at the forefront of the investigations into PD” Chambers continued. “The awareness Assemblywoman Jenne is bringing to this issue is invaluable and we’re so thankful to have her as an advocate in the fight against PD.”
Assemblywoman Jenne’s commitment to Parkinson’s Disease is steadfast.
"It remains imperative we continue the fight to improve awareness and search for a cure for Parkinson's Disease so we can improve the lives of those that have already been given this diagnosis. It is equally important that we continue to focus our attention on support research to unravel the scientific mysteries of this relentless disease," Assemblywoman Jenne said.
“The work APDA is doing and the support they are providing for the Parkinson’s community here in New York and beyond is critical and I am thrilled to partner with them to bring much-needed attention to this disease,” she noted.
About the American Parkinson Disease Association: The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) is the largest grassroots network dedicated to fighting Parkinson’s disease (PD) and works tirelessly to assist the more than 1 million Americans with PD live life to the fullest in the face of this chronic, neurological disorder.
About the American Parkinson Disease Association: The American Parkinson Disease Association (APDA) is the largest grassroots network dedicated to fighting Parkinson’s disease (PD) and works tirelessly to assist the more than 1 million Americans with PD live life to the fullest in the face of this chronic, neurological disorder.
Founded in 1961, APDA has raised and invested more than $170 million to provide outstanding patient services and educational programs, elevate public awareness about the disease, and support research designed to unlock the mysteries of PD and ultimately put an end to this disease. To join us in the fight against Parkinson’s disease and to learn more about the support APDA provides nationally through its network of chapters and information and referral (I&R) centers, as well as its national research program and Centers for Advanced Research, please visit www.apdaparkinson.org
IN THE PHOTO:
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne (front row, second from left) poses for a photograph with representatives from the American Parkinson Disease Association Wednesday at the state capitol. The state Assembly passed a resolution sponsored by Assemblywoman Jenne calling for April to be declared Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month.
IN THE PHOTO:
Assemblywoman Addie A.E. Jenne (front row, second from left) poses for a photograph with representatives from the American Parkinson Disease Association Wednesday at the state capitol. The state Assembly passed a resolution sponsored by Assemblywoman Jenne calling for April to be declared Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month.