88R19944 TBO-D
 
  By: Howard 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.