Pasco Reporter

Washington, D.C. - A groundbreaking piece of legislation aimed at preventing, treating, and ultimately curing Parkinson's disease has passed the House of Representatives. The Dr. Emmanuel Bilirakis and Honorable Jennifer Wexton National Plan to End Parkinson's Act, sponsored by U.S. Representatives Gus Bilirakis and Paul Tonko, seeks to unite experts in a public-private partnership to tackle the challenges posed by this debilitating disease.

The passing of this legislation holds a personal significance for Congressman Bilirakis, who has lost two immediate family members to Parkinson's disease in the past six months. His brother, Dr. Emmanuel Bilirakis, was a primary care physician who fought a long battle against the disease. In honor of his brother's memory, Congressman Bilirakis amended the title of the bill to pay tribute to Dr. Emmanuel Bilirakis. Additionally, the bill also honors his colleague, Jennifer Wexton, who is battling the rare neurodegenerative disease Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP).

The Dr. Emmanuel Bilirakis and Honorable Jennifer Wexton National Plan to End Parkinson's Act aims to address the financial and health burdens faced by American families affected by Parkinson's disease. With nearly 90,000 new cases diagnosed in the United States every year, Parkinson's is the second most common and fastest-growing neurological disease globally.

Congressman Bilirakis emphasized the need for a change in approach to obtain better results in the treatment of Parkinson's disease. He expressed his determination to continue the fight on behalf of all Americans affected by this debilitating disease. Congressman Tonko, who has made helping those with neurological disorders a top priority, highlighted the importance of Congress's support during this challenging time.

Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton, who has been personally affected by Parkinson's disease, expressed her gratitude for the passing of the legislation. She acknowledged the difficult road and emotional journey she has faced since her diagnosis and emphasized the importance of delivering hope to the broader Parkinson's community.

The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research also expressed support for the National Plan to End Parkinson's Act. Ted Thompson, Senior Vice President of Policy for the foundation, commended Representatives Bilirakis and Tonko for their leadership on the bill. Thompson highlighted the groundbreaking progress made in Parkinson's research, including the recent discovery of a biomarker, and emphasized the need to accelerate science and provide better care for patients and families impacted by the disease.

The Dr. Emmanuel Bilirakis and Honorable Jennifer Wexton National Plan to End Parkinson's Act establishes an Advisory Council comprising experts from both the federal government and non-federal appointed members. This council will focus on evaluating current efforts to prevent, treat, and cure Parkinson's disease, as well as making recommendations to reduce the burden of the disease on patients and families. The legislation also includes the study of other Parkinson's-related neurodegenerative diseases.

With the passing of this historic legislation, there is hope for those affected by Parkinson's disease. The Dr. Emmanuel Bilirakis and Honorable Jennifer Wexton National Plan to End Parkinson's Act represents a significant step forward in the fight against this debilitating disease, bringing us closer to a future where Parkinson's can be prevented, treated, and ultimately cured.

Click this link to access more information: https://bilirakis.house.gov/media/press-releases/dr-emmanuel-bilirakis-and-honorable-jennifer-wexton-national-plan-end