Have you heard that April is Parkinson’s Awareness Month, and the theme for 2021 is #KnowMorePD? The goal this year is to raise awareness about Parkinson’s disease, the Parkinson’s Foundation, and all of the resources available to help make lives better for people with Parkinson’s.
There are nearly 1 million people living with Parkinson’s disease in the United States, and approximately 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease each year. Parkinson’s disease is more prevalent in men than in women, and genetics cause only about 10-15% of all Parkinson’s diagnosis. The Parkinson’s Foundation has a ten-question multiple-choice quiz to test your knowledge of Parkinson’s and highlight facts and resources. They will have drawings for prizes for those who take the quiz during the month of April, including a Kindle Paperwhite.
Another way to support the movement may be to petition your mayor or governor to declare April, Parkinson’s Awareness Month. Go online and find out how to contact your mayor or governor’s office, then call or email to find out the best way to submit the proclamation. A sample Proclamation is available on the Parkinson’s Foundation Website.
Moving Day is a national fundraising walk for the Parkinson’s Foundation. While it happens on May 22nd, and not during Parkinson’s Awareness Month, April can be a great time to recruit your team and sign up for the walk. If there is not a walk in your area, you can participate virtually in the national walk, or consider creating a walk in your area.
Share about Parkinson’s Disease on your social media, or write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper. If you or a loved one has Parkinson’s disease, share your story. Stories powerfully illustrate what it’s like to live with Parkinson’s and how programs like those offered by the Parkinson’s Foundation and other resources provide hope and support.
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