The following is the Oregon Proclamation as per request of Ivan.
Oregon Proclamation, State of Oregon
WHEREAS: Parkinson's disease is an incurable progressive movement disorder of
the muscular stem such that the body cannot respond normally and manifesting
in such symptoms as uncontrollable tremor, restricted ability to move, swallow
or speak, accompanied by physical and mental exhaustion and improper function
of the body's internal system; and
WHEREAS; World Parkinson 'Day is to be observed April 11, the birth date of
Dr. James Parkinson who first identified these symptoms, and
WHEREAS: younger people are now making up more to the over one million
sufferers in the United States and in as estimated six to seven thousand in
Oregon, in addition to caregivers and family members whose live have also
changed dramatically: and
WHEREAS: while the available proven mediations are able to slow the
progression, over time the effectiveness diminishes and side effects become
debilitation, leaving one with a sense of hopelessness: and
WHEREAS: while President Clinton signed the Udall Research and Education Act
into law on October 13, 1997, to increase existing inadequate research
funding, they is urgent need to urge congressional leaders to support full
funding of the bill's provisions: and
WHEREAS: Oregon has available the resources of the Will-Cope (Willamette-
Columbia Parkinson Society Inc.) and Parkinson Center of Oregon non-profit
organizations which offer education and exchange of patient experiences to
provide knowledge, encouragement and caring to enhance the human spirt and the
opportunity to live up to one's potential.
NOW THEREFORE, I John A. kitzhaber, Governor Of the State of Oregon, hereby
proclaim April 1998 to be
PARKINSON'S DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH.
This was easy to do, if interested in doing same in your state just call your
gevernor's office and ask them how to go about getting such a proclamation.
Good luck!
Helen
