07-R164

2007 -- S 0918

Enacted 04/10/07

S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N

PROCLAIMING APRIL, 2007 AS "PARKINSON'S DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

Introduced By: Senator M. Teresa Paiva-Weed

Date Introduced: April 10, 2007

     WHEREAS, In 1817 Dr. James Parkinson, an English physician, was the first to describe

the effects of a debilitating disease which affects the central nervous system. He characterized the

disease as “Shaking Palsy,” what we now know as Parkinson’s Disease; and

     WHEREAS, By the 1960’s, research revealed pathological and biochemical changes in

the brains of patients. This discovery allowed physicians to effectively medicate their patients,

making the disease somewhat bearable; and

     WHEREAS, The American Parkinson’s Disease Association, Inc., was founded in 1961

and its goal is to “Ease the Burden and Find the Cure.” In order for this slogan to be put into

fruition, education, research, input from patients and families, the sponsorship of 65 Chapters, 58

Information and Referral Centers, and 250 affiliated support groups throughout the United States

are needed; and

     WHEREAS, The American Parkinson’s Disease Association, Inc., raises funds and

promotes awareness to fight Parkinson’s Disease, thereby improving the quality of human life for

those living with Parkinson’s Disease; now, therefore be it

     RESOLVED, That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations,

in recognition of the indispensable services of the American Parkinson’s Disease Association to

the residents of Rhode Island, hereby proclaims April 2007 as “Parkinson’s Disease Awareness

Month” in the State of Rhode Island in honor of the American Parkinson’s Disease Association,

Inc.; and be it further

     RESOLVED, That the Secretary of State be and he hereby is authorized and directed to

transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the American Parkinson’s Disease Association,

Inc.

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LC02629

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