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

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Michael Dever, Mayor of the City of Lawrence, Kansas, do hereby proclaim the month of April 2008 as

“PARKINSON’S DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH”

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.

Michael Dever, Mayor

April 8, 2008