WHEREAS it is the intention of the Mayor and Council of Cherry Hill Township to focus attention on noteworthy occasions and individuals; and
WHEREAS the month of April is recognized nationally as Parkinson’s Awareness Month; and
WHEREAS Parkinson’s Disease is a chronic, progressive neurological disease, the second-most-common neurodegenerative disease in the U.S., and the 14th-leading cause of death in the U.S., making it a critical public health concern; and
WHEREAS Parkinson’s currently affects an estimated 1,000,000 people in the United States, a number that is expected to more than double by 2040; and
WHEREAS the exact cause of Parkinson’s remains unknown; there is no known cure, or drug to slow or halt the progression of the disease; and current treatments are limited in their long-term effectiveness; and
WHEREAS Parkinson’s also presents a significant economic burden to our society, as well as directly to patients and their families; and
WHEREAS increased research, education and community support services are needed in order to improve treatment options and provide access to quality care to those living with the disease today; and
WHEREAS Cherry Hill’s Fox Rehabilitation offers a monthly support group for individuals with Parkinson’s and their families, an important resource for those struggling with this terrible disease in our own community.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, CHUCK CAHN, by virtue of the authority vested in me as Mayor of the Township of Cherry Hill, County of Camden, State of New Jersey, do hereby proclaim the month of April 2017 to be
Parkinson's Awareness Month
in the Township of Cherry Hill and do urge all citizens to join with me and the members of Township Council in helping to spread awareness of the signs and symptoms of Parkinson’s Disease throughout our community, and in thanking the organizers of the Fox Rehab Parkinson Support Group for their continued efforts to this end.