April is Parkinson's Disease Awareness Month
- Diversity & Inclusion Ministry
- 2 hours ago
- 2 min read
Every year, nearly 90,000 people in the United States receive a Parkinson's disease diagnosis. Worldwide, it is one of the fastest-growing neurological conditions — and for the millions of people and families living with it, the impact reaches far beyond the tremors most commonly associated with the disease.
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a progressive neurological disorder that affects movement — but its reach is broader than many realize. People living with PD may experience changes in speech, sleep, mood, memory, and more. Symptoms vary widely from person to person, and while there is currently no cure, they can often be managed through medications, lifestyle changes, exercise, and in some cases surgery. Scientists believe Parkinson's develops from a combination of genetic and environmental factors, and research continues to deepen our understanding of both cause and treatment. Early-onset Parkinson's — diagnosed in people under 50 — reminds us that this is not solely a disease of old age.
April is Parkinson's Awareness Month, a time to learn, to extend compassion, and to support the people in our communities who are navigating life with this condition — along with the caregivers, family members, and friends who walk alongside them.
Scripture
"For in him we live and move and have our being. As some of your own poets have said, 'We are his offspring.'" — Acts 17:28 (NIV)
Prayer
God, wherever we suffer, you are with us.
May the comfort of love embrace all people living with the pain and frustration of physical ailments and disease. May insight move our researchers and physicians to new medical discoveries and advances in the treatment of disease. And may our communities make caring and compassionate choices about policy and infrastructure, caring for the needs of all.
Amen.
Action
Learn about Parkinson's disease — its symptoms, progression, and the range of people it affects — so you can better recognize and respond to the needs of those around you.
Support someone you know who is living with Parkinson's or caring for a loved one with the disease. Presence and practical help matter deeply.
Advocate for community infrastructure, healthcare access, and public policy that supports people with mobility and neurological challenges.
Connect with the Parkinson's Foundation for resources, research updates, and ways to get involved locally and nationally.
