253-2023

Whereas, Parkinson’s disease affects one million people in the United States and is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the United States; and

Whereas, Parkinson’s disease affects more than 20,000 people in Oregon, a number that is expected to more than double by the year 2040; and

Whereas, it is estimated that Parkinson’s costs $52 billion per year, of which the federal government shoulders $29 billion, leaving American families to cover the remaining $23 billion; and

Whereas, the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research is dedicated to finding a cure for Parkinson's disease through an aggressively funded research agenda and to ensuring the development of improved therapies for those living with Parkinson's today; and

Whereas, there are millions of Americans who are caregivers, family members, and friends of those impacted by Parkinson’s disease; and

Whereas, it is estimated that 90,000 individuals are diagnosed annually with Parkinson’s disease in North America, 50% higher than the 60,000 annual diagnoses that research previously suggested.

Now, therefore, I, Ted Wheeler, Mayor of the City of Portland, Oregon, the “City of Roses,” do hereby proclaim April 2023, to be

Parkinson’s Awareness Month

In Portland and encourage all residents to observe this month.