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R E S O L U T I O N
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WHEREAS, Every year, an estimated 60,000 Americans are |
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diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, a neurodegenerative disorder |
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that causes a progressive decline in motor function and is often |
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accompanied by other life-changing symptoms; and |
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WHEREAS, Patients with Parkinson's disease may experience |
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tremors, slowed movements, rigid muscles, impaired posture and |
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balance, and difficulties with actions such as speaking and |
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writing; these symptoms vary in their severity from person to |
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person and become worse as the disorder progresses; in many cases, |
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patients also suffer from depression, chronic pain, and sleep |
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disorders, and in advanced stages, some experience dementia and |
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psychosis; and |
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WHEREAS, According to the Centers for Disease Control and |
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Prevention, Parkinson's disease is the 14th-leading cause of death |
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in the United States; it also greatly impacts millions of Americans |
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who are caregivers, family members, and friends of affected |
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individuals, and the annual economic burden of Parkinson's disease |
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is estimated to be over $26.4 billion, with indirect costs to |
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patients and their families totaling $6.3 billion; and |
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WHEREAS, There is no known cure for Parkinson's disease, and |
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the cause remains largely unknown; medical care is currently aimed |
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at lessening the symptoms, slowing the disease's progression, and |
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helping patients achieve the best quality of life possible; and |
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WHEREAS, Every April, Parkinson's Awareness Month serves as a |
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means of focusing attention on the disease and promoting research |
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into new treatments and potential cures; one organization taking |
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part in this campaign is the Davis Phinney Foundation, a national |
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nonprofit that provides essential information, practical tools, |
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and other resources for people living with Parkinson's; and |
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WHEREAS, On April 13, 2019, the foundation is holding its |
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Victory Summit conference in Austin, which is bringing together as |
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many as 1,000 people for a day of education and inspiration; the |
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event features presentations by nationally and internationally |
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recognized researchers, clinicians, and physical therapists, with |
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the ultimate goal of advancing knowledge and expediting the |
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discovery of innovative new technologies and treatments; and |
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WHEREAS, As the worldwide incidence of Parkinson's disease |
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continues to rise at alarming rates, with the disease expected to |
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affect 14.2 million people by 2040, the search for a cure is |
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becoming an increasingly urgent priority, and the Davis Phinney |
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Foundation and all those taking part in the Victory Summit are to be |
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commended for their efforts to address this devastating condition; |
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now, therefore, be it |
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RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 86th Texas |
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Legislature hereby recognize April 2019 as Parkinson's Awareness |
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Month and honor the Davis Phinney Foundation on the occasion of its |
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2019 Victory Summit in Austin; and, be it further |
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RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be |
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prepared for the foundation as an expression of high regard by the |
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Texas House of Representatives. |
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Toth |
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Lambert |
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Bonnen of Galveston |
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Sanford |
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Klick |
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______________________________ |
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Speaker of the House |
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I certify that H.R. No. 1078 was adopted by the House on April |
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11, 2019, by a non-record vote. |
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______________________________ |
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Chief Clerk of the House |
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