Rotary District 6900 has proclaimed the month of May, 2023 as Parkinson’s Awareness Month. The proclamation was read at District Conference – and presented to Lata and Manjeet Chinnan, who have a son with Parkinson’s and wanted the district to help people get more information about this disease. Lata is a member of the Lake Spivey-Clayton County Rotary Club.

You can read the proclamation here and can visit the Parkinson’s Foundation at Homepage |Parkinson's Foundation to learn more.

THE PROCLAMATION:

WHEREAS, Parkinson’s disease is a chronic, progressive, neurological disease and is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the United States;

WHEREAS, Parkinson’s disease is estimated to affect approximately one million people in the United States and the prevalence will rise to 1.2 million by 2030;

WHEREAS, Parkinson’s disease is the 14th leading cause of death in the United States according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention;

WHEREAS, it is estimated that the economic burden of Parkinson’s disease is at least $52 billion annually, including direct and indirect costs, including treatment, social security payments and lost income, to patients and family members;

WHEREAS, research suggests the cause of Parkinson’s disease is a combination of genetic and environmental factors, but the exact cause and progression of the disease is still unknown;

WHEREAS, there is no objective test or biomarker for Parkinson’s disease, and there is no cure or drug to slow or halt the progression of the disease;

WHEREAS, the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease vary from person to person and can include tremors; slowness of movement and rigidity; difficulty with balance, swallowing, chewing, and speaking; cognitive impairment and dementia; mood disorders; and a variety of other non-motor symptoms;

WHEREAS, volunteers, researchers, caregivers, and medical professionals are working to improve the quality of life of persons living with Parkinson’s disease and their families;

WHEREAS, increased research, education, and community support services such as those provided by the Parkinson’s Foundation and other organizations are needed to find more effective treatments and to provide access to quality care to those living with the disease today;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE GRANADE, District Governor for Rotary District 6900, do hereby proclaim the month of May in twenty twenty-three as PARKINSON'S AWARENESS MONTH in District 6900 and encourage all members to observe this month and increase their understanding of the disease and support people living with Parkinson’s disease.