Whereas, Parkinson’s disease, a chronic, progressive neurological disease with no known cause, affecting approximately 35,000 people in the state of Michigan; and,

Whereas, Diverse symptoms mark Parkinson’s disease including rigidity, slowness of movement, poor balance, and tremors; and,

Whereas, Effective control of Parkinson’s disease can be achieved through medication and/or surgery in addition to education and rehabilitation programs for long periods of time, however, at this time there is no known cure; and,

Whereas, Enormous emotional, psychological and physical tolls are taken on those with Parkinson’s disease in addition to the similar tolls on caregivers, families, and friends of the patients of the disease; and,

Whereas, Michigan is a center of groundbreaking research and new treatments for Parkinson’s disease, which offer hope for more effective control and possible cures for Parkinson’s disease and related neurological disorders; and,

Whereas, Michigan has, for 20 years, established programs through a largely volunteer effort to provide education and support for people with Parkinson’s disease, their families, and healthcare professionals; and now therefore be it,

Resolved, That I, Jennifer M. Granholm, Governor of the State of Michigan, do hereby proclaim April 2006, as Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month in Michigan.