The Empire State Plaza will glow orange tonight in honor of the commencement of Parkinson’s Disease Awareness Month. Joining the illumination ceremony will be Assembly Member Amy Paulin, State Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal, and representatives from The Michael J. Fox Foundation (MJFF) for Parkinson’s Research.
Their presence marks a unified call for the passage of legislation (A5803/S4674) aimed at establishing a state Parkinson’s Disease Registry, which recently gained approval from the State Senate. This registry will facilitate the collection of data on the incidence and prevalence of Parkinson’s disease (PD), ultimately advancing research efforts towards prevention, treatment, and a cure.
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Empire State Plaza
A Parkinson’s registry would provide invaluable insights for researchers, enabling the identification of high-risk groups, detection of prevalence patterns among New York’s population, and uncovering disparities in treatment within marginalized communities. Currently, ten other states, including California, have implemented such registries.
Assembly Member and Health Committee Chair Paulin expressed, “Illuminating the Capitol orange symbolizes the remarkable endeavors of researchers, doctors, and advocates dedicated to combatting Parkinson’s Disease. I am proud to sponsor the Parkinson’s Disease Registry bill, which will provide essential data to researchers, guiding their efforts towards finding a cure and advanced therapies for Parkinson’s.”
Senator Brad Hoylman-Sigal emphasized, “Tonight, as the New York State Capitol Building shines orange, we recognize Parkinson’s Awareness Month and the urgent need to address this disease affecting approximately 65,000 New Yorkers. With the passage of our bill, we aim to establish the New York Parkinson’s Disease Registry, enabling crucial data collection for research that can drive progress in preventing, diagnosing, treating, and ultimately curing Parkinson’s.”
Ted Thompson, MJFF Senior Vice President of Public Policy, affirmed, “As New York commemorates Parkinson’s Awareness Month, we are reminded of the ongoing need to further educate the public on Parkinson’s disease and advocate for the resilient community we represent. We look forward to continuing our work with policymakers, clinicians, and researchers to support the thousands of New Yorkers living with Parkinson’s and their families.”
Barbara Zimmerman, MJFF advocate, emphasized the significance of the bill, stating, “Passing this bill and creating the Parkinson’s registry is crucial for both current patients and future generations. This initiative will provide invaluable insights into understanding the factors contributing to Parkinson’s, paving the way for potential cures. My family, along with the 65,000 New Yorkers currently facing Parkinson’s, will greatly benefit from this legislation.”
Parkinson’s disease affects nearly 1 million Americans and incurs annual treatment costs of $52 billion in the U.S., with New York alone accounting for $3.3 billion. With the prevalence of Parkinson’s doubling over the past 25 years, the establishment of a registry in New York aims to enhance researchers’ understanding of the disease, potentially leading to improved treatments and, ultimately, a cure.
