Movement Disorders Awareness Month

MOVEMENT DISORDERS AWARENESS MONTH -- HON. DANNY K. DAVIS (Extensions of Remarks - July 29, 2005)

HON. DANNY K. DAVIS
OF ILLINOIS
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Thursday, July 28, 2005

Mr. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce my bill that calls for the observance of October as Movement Disorders Awareness Month. Movement disorders affect nearly 40 million Americans and often cause chronic or debilitating conditions. Some common movement disorders include: dystonia, Parkinson's disease, Rett Syndrome and Huntington's disease.

An author, Matt Marty, once said, ``Understanding is curing ignorance and curing ignorance is abolishing fear.'' Many people fear what they do not understand. We must establish a Movement Disorders Awareness Month to educate the public about the causes, characteristics and treatments of movement disorders. Awareness would guide the public consciousness toward understanding. Acceptance is the key. We must affirm our commitment to the individuals and families who are affected by these disorders. We must encourage further research on movement disorders. We must also raise public consciousness and understanding in regards to these conditions. This is a most worthy and necessary cause.

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