H.R. No. 752


R E S O L U T I O N
WHEREAS, Parkinson's disease is a debilitating, painful, and incurable neurological disorder of unknown origin that disrupts and may end the lives of those who suffer from it; and WHEREAS, Parkinson's disease causes diverse symptoms, including rigidity, slowness of movement, poor balance, and tremors, that lead to an impaired ability to walk, speak, swallow, and even breathe, resulting in the tragic combination of an able mind and a body that has lost its ability to function; and WHEREAS, Currently, there are 1.5 million Americans, including many residents of the Lone Star State, who are afflicted with this serious malady, and 60,000 more are diagnosed with the disease each year; the estimated expenditure in medical treatments, disability payments, and lost productivity totals $25 billion annually; and WHEREAS, Increased education and research are needed to develop more treatments, provide additional support programs and services to patients, care partners, and families, and ultimately find a cure for Parkinson's disease; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 79th Texas Legislature hereby recognize April as Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month in Texas and encourage all Texas residents to learn more about this devastating illness. Cook of Navarro ______________________________ Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 752 was adopted by the House on March 29, 2005, by a non-record vote. ______________________________ Chief Clerk of the House