Representatives Gus Bilirakis and Wesley Bell introduced a bipartisan resolution on April 15 to designate April as Parkinson’s Awareness Month, aiming to increase public awareness, research funding, and support for those affected by the disease.
The resolution highlights the challenges faced by more than one million Americans living with Parkinson’s disease. Lawmakers say it is important to promote early diagnosis, advance research, and improve care for patients and families. The economic impact of the disease in the United States is estimated at over $52 billion annually.
“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 also supported the effort: “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.”
Bilirakis has represented Florida’s 12th district in Congress since replacing Michael Bilirakis in 2007 according to biographical information. He previously served in Florida’s House of Representatives from 1998 until his election to Congress according to biographical information. Born in Gainesville in 1963, he currently lives in Palm Harbor according to available records, holds an undergraduate degree from University of Florida (1986), as well as a law degree from Stetson University (1989) according to educational records.
Representatives Bilirakis and Bell had also introduced this resolution last year.
