H.R. No. 907
R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Every year, approximately 90,000 Americans are
diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder
that causes a progressive decline in motor function and is often
accompanied by other life-changing symptoms; and
WHEREAS, Patients with Parkinson's disease may experience
tremors, slowed movements, rigid muscles, impaired posture and
balance, and difficulties with actions such as speaking and
writing; these symptoms vary in their severity from person to
person and become worse as the disorder progresses; in many cases,
patients also suffer from depression, chronic pain, and sleep
disorders, and in advanced stages, some experience dementia and
psychosis; and
WHEREAS, Currently, nearly one million individuals in the
United States are suffering from Parkinson's disease caused by the
loss of the nerve cells in the brain that produce dopamine; research
from Johns Hopkins Medicine indicates that only about 15 percent of
Parkinson's disease cases derive from genetics passed down from
parent to child; and
WHEREAS, According to the Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention, Parkinson's disease is the 14th leading cause of death
in the United States; it also greatly impacts millions of Americans
who are caregivers, family members, and friends of affected
individuals, and the annual economic burden of Parkinson's disease
is estimated to be as much as $52 billion in direct and indirect
costs; and
WHEREAS, Because there is no known cure for Parkinson's
disease, medical care is currently aimed at lessening the symptoms,
slowing the disease's progression, and helping patients achieve the
best quality of life possible; some research has demonstrated that
regular exercise can slow or even reverse the effects of the
disease; and
WHEREAS, Every April, Parkinson's Awareness Month serves as a
means of focusing attention on the disease and promoting research
into new treatments and potential cures; one organization taking
part in this campaign is Power for Parkinson's, a Texas-based
nonprofit that has been instrumental in raising awareness and
advocating in behalf of people affected by Parkinson's disease;
established in 2013, the organization offers free in-person and
online fitness, dance, and singing classes for patients and their
care partners, and it provides a wide range of informative
resources such as support groups, workshops with experts, and
social events; this year, it is hosting an event on April 15 to
commemorate the 10th anniversary of its founding; and
WHEREAS, As the worldwide incidence of Parkinson's disease
continues to rise at alarming rates, with the disease expected to
affect twice as many people by 2040, the search for a cure is
becoming an increasingly urgent priority, and Power for Parkinson's
is to be commended for its efforts to address this devastating
condition; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 88th Texas
Legislature hereby recognize April 2023 as Parkinson's Awareness
Month and honor Power for Parkinson's on the occasion of its 10th
anniversary; and, be it further
RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be
prepared for the organization as an expression of high regard by the
Texas House of Representatives.
Howard
______________________________
Speaker of the House
I certify that H.R. No. 907 was adopted by the House on April
28, 2023, by a non-record vote.
______________________________
Chief Clerk of the House