Mayoral Proclamation - Parkinson's Awareness Day - 08.04.2016

WHEREAS, Parkinson’s disease is a progressive neurological movement disorder of the central nervous system – according to the Parkinson’s Action Network, the Parkinson’s Disease Foundation, the National Parkinson Foundation, the American Parkinson Disease Association, and the national Institutes of Health – affects more than 1 million Americans who have been diagnosed with the disease; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 1957, National Parkinson Foundation is the only organization maintaining a singular focus on improving the quality of care for those living with Parkinson’s disease and has an extensive network of chapters, support groups and centers of excellence throughout the United States and around the world; and

WHEREAS, Founded in 1995 as the Parkinson Association of Minnesota and renamed in June 2011, the National Parkinson Foundation Minnesota is the state affiliate chapter of the National Parkinson Foundation and has its central mission the goal of positively impacting the lives of individuals and families living with Parkinson’s disease through improved care and support, community engagement and education, and advocacy; and

WHEREAS, In Minnesota, North Dakota and surrounding communities National Parkinson Foundation Minnesota drives awareness and outreach by bringing together thought leaders on Parkinson’s disease as members of its clinic advisory board under the leadership of Dr. Martha Nance, of the Park Nicollet Struthers Parkinson’s Center, which has provided training to hospital neurologists, physicians, pharmacists, nurses, and rehabilitation therapists to improve patient outcomes for those living with Parkinson’s disease, proving that it is possible to unite competing subspecialty groups to identify and act upon areas of common interest and concern, which has the potential to improve care and improve lives throughout the region; and

WHEREAS, National Parkinson Foundation Minnesota funds outreach, education, support groups, and families, including its unique Parkinson Support Grant program which reaches families throughout North and South Dakota, Iowa and Wisconsin offering support for exercise, help at home and caregiver respite; and

WHEREAS, The National Parkinson Foundation Minnesota will host an event on August 4, 2016, in Fargo to highlight its work to support individuals and families living with Parkinson’s disease, to build and enhance Parkinson friendly communities including retail, fitness and restaurants, outreach and education and to support research initiatives.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, That I, Timothy J. Mahoney, Mayor of the City of Fargo, do hereby proclaim August 4, 2016 as Parkinson's Awareness Day in the City of Fargo, and all residents are urged to participate in activities and events which support the fight against Parkinson’s disease and to support efforts which aid and assist individuals and families living with Parkinson’s disease.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the Seal of the City of Fargo, North Dakota to be affixed this 20th day of July, 2016.