Office of the Mayor
Proclamation
Lawrence, Kansas
WHEREAS: Parkinson’s Disease is a degenerative brain disorder that affects a million and a half adults in the United States, with over 14,000 people diagnosed with Parkinson’s in the State of Kansas alone; and
WHEREAS: More individuals suffer from Parkinson’s Disease than multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy and Lou Gehrig’s Disease combined; and
WHEREAS: The symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease include tremor, rigidity, slowness of movement, and difficulty with balance and speech. The causes of Parkinson’s Disease, though not yet known, are under intense study. The Neurological Department at the University of Kansas Medical Center has been designated by the National Parkinson Foundation as a Center of Excellence in conducting ongoing research to improve treatment and to discover a cure; and
WHEREAS: April 11 has been proclaimed World Parkinson’s Day, a day for all to recognize the need for more research and assistance in dealing with the devastating effects of Parkinson’s Disease; and
WHEREAS: In Lawrence, there is a Parkinson Support Group, affiliated with the National Parkinson Foundation, who meets monthly for the purpose of distributing educational literature, hearing speakers from the medical and health care community, and as a group of approximately 40 members, providing encouragement and support to each other as people with Parkinson’s and their care givers;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, David M. Dunfield, Mayor of the City of Lawrence, Kansas, do hereby proclaim the month of April 2004 as
in Lawrence and urge all citizens to extend their support for those struggling with Parkinson’s Disease and the loved ones trying to help fight the battle.
David M. Dunfield, Mayor
April 6, 2004