[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 55 (Tuesday, April 17, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E548]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            RECOGNIZING APRIL AS PARKINSON'S AWARENESS MONTH

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                        HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 17, 2012

  Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, as a co-chair of the Congressional Caucus 
on Parkinson's Disease, I am pleased to recognize April as Parkinson's 
Awareness Month. It is critical that we raise awareness of this 
debilitating disease and continue to work towards discovering 
treatments and eventually, a cure.
  As the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the United 
States, it's estimated that there are between 500,000 and 1.5 million 
Americans living with Parkinson's and as the baby boomer generation 
ages, this number will only increase.
  Parkinson's disease is a chronic, progressive neurological disease 
that debilitates those living with Parkinson's and affects their 
families, as well. There is no therapy or drug to slow its progression 
and a cure has yet to be found. As the loved one of someone afflicted 
by Parkinson's disease, I witnessed personally the toll that 
Parkinson's disease took on my father. As a result, I know firsthand 
that we must provide support to the loved ones, caregivers and 
researchers attempting to improve the welfare of those living with 
Parkinson's.
  I call for continued research funding to identify treatments and a 
cure. I also applaud the many advocates, medical staff, volunteers, and 
organizations who work tirelessly to advance the quality of life for 
those living with Parkinson's disease and their loved ones.

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