LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION commemorating the 50th Anniversary of the Ameri-
can Parkinson Disease Association

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize that the
quality and character of life in the communities across New York State
are reflective of the concerned and dedicated efforts of those organiza-
tions and individuals who would devote themselves to the welfare of the
community and its citizenry; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to commem-
orate the 50th Anniversary of the American Parkinson Disease Associ-
ation; and
WHEREAS, The American Parkinson Disease Association was founded in
1961 to ease the burden and find a cure for Parkinson's disease; and
WHEREAS, The only national organization headquartered on Staten
Island, the American Parkinson Disease Association has continued to
support patients, caregivers and families afflicted with this disease
for half a century; and
WHEREAS, The American Parkinson Disease Association is the largest
grassroots organization with 55 information and referral centers, 45
chapters and more than 800 support groups nationwide; these groups
assist the Parkinson's community by providing educational symposiums,
programs, and events, while spreading awareness of Parkinson's disease;
and
WHEREAS, As the American Parkinson Disease Association celebrates its
50th Anniversary, it continues to build upon a tradition of research
support that has been responsible for major scientific breakthroughs in
Parkinson's disease including the work of Dr. George Cotzias, which led
to establishing the effectiveness of high dose oral levodopa in treating
the disease; and
WHEREAS, Also among its pioneering research was the work of Dr. Roger
Duvoisin, which established the roles of heredity and environment in
Parkinson's disease, and the research that led to the discovery of
alpha-Synucelin; and
WHEREAS, Throughout its long and illustrious history, the American
Parkinson Disease Association has compiled a long list of accomplish-
ments in scientific breakthroughs as well as created a national network
of chapters and centers that address the needs, cares, and concerns of
people with Parkinson's disease and their families; and
WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body that when associ-
ations of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the American Parkinson Disease Asso-
ciation; and be it further
RESOLVED, That a copy of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to the American Parkinson Disease Association.