Representatives Gus Bilirakis and Wesley Bell introduced a bipartisan resolution on April 15 recognizing April as Parkinson’s Awareness Month. The resolution aims to honor the more than one million Americans living with Parkinson’s disease, increase public awareness, promote federal research investment, and support individuals and families affected by the condition.
The issue is significant because Parkinson’s disease affects not only those diagnosed but also their families and communities. Increased awareness and research are seen as essential steps toward improving care and finding a cure.
“Parkinson’s disease is not just a diagnosis – it is a life-altering condition that impacts entire families and communities,” said Rep. Bilirakis. “For too many Americans, the emotional and financial toll is overwhelming. This resolution ensures we elevate awareness, encourage early diagnosis, and reaffirm our commitment to advancing research and care. Congress must continue working in a bipartisan manner to confront the challenges posed by Parkinson’s disease. Together, we can improve quality of life for those affected today while driving progress toward a cure for tomorrow.”
Rep. Bell said, “Parkinson’s disease is a heartbreaking reality for far too many families. I’m proud to lead this bipartisan resolution with Congressman Bilirakis because the patients and families impacted by this disease deserve to know that people are advocating for them. By publicly recognizing the scope of this disease, we are taking a step toward a better future for the families impacted–a future that includes earlier diagnosis, better patient care, and more funding for research and breakthroughs.”
Dan Feehan of The Michael J. Fox Foundation added: “The Michael J. Fox Foundation commends Representatives Bell and Bilirakis for spearheading this bipartisan effort to recognize the 1.2 million Americans living with Parkinson’s and related diseases…We’ve seen remarkable advances in Parkinson’s research, and by working together, we can reach a cure even faster for the fastest-growing neurological disease in the U.S. and around the world.”
According to available information about Rep. Bilirakis he has represented Florida’s 12th district since replacing Michael Bilirakis in 2007. He previously served in Florida’s House of Representatives from 1998 until 2006 according to Congress.gov. Born in Gainesville in 1963, he currently lives in Palm Harbor according to his official biography, having graduated from University of Florida with a BA before earning his JD at Stetson University as reported on Wikipedia.
Parkinson’s is described as progressive neurological disorder affecting motor function along with cognitive decline or mental health challenges; roughly 90,000 new diagnoses occur each year among Americans—a number expected to rise as population ages—with an economic burden estimated over $52 billion annually.
Representatives Bilirakis and Bell also introduced this resolution last year.
