Title
4/5/10 Parkinson's Awareness Month proclamation
Memorandum
PROCLAMATION
Parkinson's Awareness Month
April 2010
WHEREAS, Parkinson's Disease, or PD, is a chronic progressive neurological disorder affecting approximately 35,000 people in the state of Michigan; and
WHEREAS, Diverse symptoms of PD include rigidity, slowness of movement, poor balance, and tremors, as well as a host of secondary problems such as memory loss, swallowing difficulties, and loss of voice, which impact the quality of life; and
WHEREAS, Enormous psychological, emotional and physical tolls burden people with PD and greatly affects their families & friends as well; and
WHEREAS, Although there is no known cure, effective control of PD can be achieved through medication and/or surgery, and then as an added benefit, additional education and rehabilitation programs can help to ease the pain of PD; and
WHEREAS, Michigan is a center for groundbreaking research and new treatments for PD, which offers hope for more effective control and possible cures for this disease as well as related neurological disorders; and
WHEREAS, Michigan has established programs through a largely volunteer effort to provide education and support for people with PD, their families and healthcare professionals.
NOW THEREFORE, I, John Hieftje, Mayor, of the City of Ann Arbor, do hereby proclaim April, 2010, as Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month in the City of Ann Arbor. I encourage all citizens to recognize the need for more research and help in dealing with the devastating effects of Parkinson's Disease.
I hereby set my hand and seal
This 5th day of April, 2010
________________________
John Hieftje, Mayor