RECOGNIZING APRIL 2026 AS "PARKINSON'S DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

Legislation Document

SPONSOR:

Sen. Buckson & Rep. Yearick

Sens. Hansen, Hocker, Huxtable, Lawson, Mantzavinos, Pettyjohn, Sokola, Wilson; Reps. Berry, Bolden, Bush, Carson, Collins, Dukes, Harris, Hensley, K. Johnson, Morrison, Romer, Kamela Smith, Snyder-Hall

DELAWARE STATE SENATE

153rd GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SENATE CONCURRENT RESOLUTION NO. 153

RECOGNIZING APRIL 2026 AS "PARKINSON'S DISEASE AWARENESS MONTH" IN THE STATE OF DELAWARE.

WHEREAS, Parkinson’s Disease (“PD”) is a chronic and progressive disease that affects the nervous system and is the second most common neurodegenerative disease in the United States; and

WHEREAS, the symptoms of PD can include tremors, slowed movement, rigid muscles, impaired posture and balance, and other motor and non-motor symptoms; and

WHEREAS, according to the Parkinson’s Clinic at the University of Delaware, approximately 2,000 Delawareans were diagnosed with PD in 2024; and

WHEREAS, there are more than 10 million people living with PD worldwide; and

WHEREAS, the Parkinson's Foundation estimates that nearly 1.1 million people in the U.S. are living with PD, which is more than the combined number of people diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, muscular dystrophy, and Lou Gehrig's disease (or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis), a figure that is expected to increase by 90,000 every year; and

WHEREAS, the cost of PD in the United States is estimated to be nearly $52 billion annually and is expected to rise to $79 billion by 2037; and

WHEREAS, the average cost of medication is $2,500 per person per year, and surgery can cost up to $100,000 per person; and

WHEREAS, the cause of PD is unknown and there is no current cure for the disease; and

WHEREAS, the Parkinson’s Foundation works each April to raise awareness about the disease and has invested more than $425 million in PD research and clinical care since 1957; and

WHEREAS, the Parkinson's Education and Support Group of Sussex County is hosting the Living Well with Parkinson's Expo on April 23, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at Epworth United Methodist Church in Rehoboth Beach to provide resources, education, and support to individuals and families affected by Parkinson's disease; and

WHEREAS, the Community Walk for Parkinson’s, organized by the Parkinson's Foundation, will take place on April 25, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Big Oak County Park, and helps raise awareness of Parkinson’s disease while supporting research, education, and services for those affected throughout Kent and New Castle Counties; and

WHEREAS, increased awareness of Parkinson’s disease can lead to earlier diagnosis, improved treatment, and stronger support for individuals and families affected by the disease.

NOW, THEREFORE:

BE IT RESOLVED by the Senate of the 153rd General Assembly of the State of Delaware, the House of Representatives concurring therein, that April 2026 is hereby recognized as “Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month” in the State of Delaware.

SYNOPSIS

This Resolution recognizes April 2026 as "Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month" in the State of Delaware.

Author: Senator Buckson