Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-Va.) revealed on April 11 that she has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
Wexton, 54, is currently in her third term representing Virginia’s 10th Congressional District.
“Today, on World Parkinson’s Day, I’m here to tell you that I have come to learn this firsthand, and that’s because I’ve learned that I, too, have Parkinson’s, or what some people call PD for short.”
Noting that she is “doing well,” Wexton added, “I’ve got a positive attitude and I’ve got the strong support of so many family, friends, and loved ones.”
Parkinson’s disease is a degenerative brain disorder that can affect an individual’s movements by causing uncontrollable tremors, muscle stiffness, slowness of movement, and impaired balance and coordination.
In most cases, symptoms will begin gradually and worsen over time. As the disease progresses, an individual may experience difficulties with speech and walking, as well as mental and behavioral changes, sleep problems, fatigue, depression, and memory loss.
https://twitter.com/RepWexton/status/1645766336386039812
“Over the past few months, it has primarily affected my speech and how my mouth moves,” Wexton advised. “You may notice I speak more quickly now. It has also affected how I walk and keep my balance.
“What Parkinson’s is not is an untreatable disease, cognitive impairment, or a death sentence,” she added. “So please, you’re welcome to empathize, but don’t feel sorry for me.”
Wexton noted that she is currently developing a treatment plan with her doctor and has been conducting her official duties as usual.
“I’m not going to let Parkinson’s stop me from being me,” she said. “I’m confident that as I work with my doctor to get the treatment I need, I can continue being a working mom and an active member of our community.
“I’m doing what I love and what I’ve spent more than two decades of my life doing—helping others through public service as a prosecutor, a judge, a state senator, and now as a representative in Congress. And I hope to keep serving you for many years to come.”
Although there is no known cure for Parkinson’s as of yet, with her platform in Congress Wexton said she intends to help advance research and be a voice for others living with the disease.
“I chose to come forward today, on World Parkinson’s Day, because I want to bring about as much good from this diagnosis as I can, and I look forward to doing just that here in Congress.”
