^^^^^^ WARM GREETINGS FROM ^^^^^^^^^^^^ :-) Ivan Suzman 50/39/36 [log in to unmask] :-) Portland, Maine land of lighthouses 48 deg. F :-) ******************************************************************** Hi folks, Today I had a BUSY day in Augusta at the state capitol. You might notice I have a new official identity as a legislative liaison, which is a new and exciting development for me as an advocate. Here is the Proclamation of Parkinson's Awareness Month from Maine Governor Angus King (who proposes that a laptop computer should be made available to every 7th grade student in Maine). I also met with the Senate and House leadership, and was in both chambers at one point or another, as well as in a signing ceremony in the governor's office. Ivan Suzman 50/39/36 APDA Maine Chapter Legislative Liaison ************************************************************************* ***************************************** WHEREAS, Parkinson's Disease, or Paralysis Agitans, is an incurable brain disorder that usually affects adults over 40 years of age; however, it can occur in any of three forms, Later Life Onset, Young Onset (affecting those under 40) and Juvenile Onset; and WHEREAS, the cause of Parkinson's Disease, which can ultimately be fatal, is unknown, and anti-Parkinsonian medications can only mask some of the symptoms for a period of time; and WHEREAS, according to the American Parkinson's Disease Association there are approximately 1.5 million people in the United States diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease, of which 7,000 or more are in the State of Maine; and WHEREAS, 60,000 new patients are diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease annually in the United States, one every 9 minutes; and WHEREAS, the most usual symptoms of Parkinson's Disease (muscle stiffness, tremor, painful and slowed movement, loss of the voice and facial expression, difficulties with balance and walking, intestinal difficulties, and emotional distress) can be mistaken as a normal part of the aging process, NOW, THEREFORE, I, ANGUS S. KING, JR., Governor of the State of Maine, do hereby proclaim April, 2000 as PARKINSON'S DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH throughout the State of Maine, and urge all citizens to extend their support to those struggling with Parkinson's Disease, and their loved ones trying to help fight the battle. In testimony whereof, I have caused the Great Seal of the State to be hereunto affixed GIVEN under my hand at Augusta this fourteenth day of February in the Year of our Lord Two Thousand. Angus S. King, Jr. Governor Dan A. Gwadosky Secretary of State TRUE ATTESTED COPY