Democratic Representative Jennifer Wexton of Virginia announced on Tuesday that she has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.
She made the announcement via a video posted to Twitter.
“If there’s one thing that Democrats and Republicans can agree on, it’s that Parkinson’s disease sucks,” she said, a sentiment we indeed all can agree on.
“Today, on World Parkinson’s Day, I’m here to tell you that I’ve come to learn this firsthand,” Wexton continued. “And that’s because I’ve learned that I, too, have Parkinson’s, or what some people call PD for short.”
Wexton is a young 54-years of age.
On #WorldParkinsonsDay, I’m here to share that I’ve been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease.
I’m doing well, and I want to bring about as much good from this diagnosis as I can—including here in Congress. pic.twitter.com/bvEwzZQbqp
— Rep. Jennifer Wexton (@RepWexton) April 11, 2023
Rep Jennifer Wexton Vows to Serve For Years to Come
During her announcement, Rep. Jennifer Wexton told supporters what Parkinson’s Disease entails and asked people not to feel “sorry for me.”
“What Parkinson’s is not is an untreatable disease, a cognitive impairment, or a death sentence,” she said.
And on that note, she vowed to continue her work in Congress for quite some time.
Praying for you Jennifer. God bless you and may you win this fight!
— Lance Gooden (@Lancegooden) April 11, 2023
Wexton announced that she has been working with her doctors on a treatment plan and has remained focused on her tasks as a congresswoman, “all just like normal.”
“I’m not going to let Parkinson’s stop me from being me,” she continued.
“I am 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.”
Wexton pointed out that she plans “to keep serving you for many years to come.”
Political differences aside, I wish you well. Good luck in the fight ahead.
— Mrs Malindo (@MrsMalindo) April 11, 2023
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Another Democrat Retired in 2019 After Learning He Had Parkinson’s
Rep. Jennifer Wexton becomes the second Democrat House member in recent years to announce a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease.
Jose Serrano, a former Democrat lawmaker from New York, announced he had been diagnosed with the disease in 2019 and would retire at the end of his term in 2021.
Serrano said at the time that he initially planned to keep working but had “come to the realization that Parkinson’s will eventually take a toll, and that I cannot predict its rate of advancement.”
The uncertainty of his medical future led to his resignation.
I don’t care what political affiliation you are, I just hope and pray the best for you and your family as y’all go through this difficult time! God speed, and God Bless you!
— RetiredVet (@Amtired6) April 11, 2023
Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman has also been working through serious health issues, though his have clearly been detrimental to his cognitive abilities as well as the physical.
Prior to being elected, Fetterman (D) had experienced a stroke which left him quite obviously troubled in the realm of communication.
Fetterman was hospitalized overnight just one month into his term, while reports surfaced that he was struggling to adapt to life in the Senate, hearing voices that sound like the teacher in the “Peanuts” cartoons and requiring colleagues to adjust to his “special needs.”
He lost a significant amount of time being treated for severe clinical depression earlier this year.
Productive morning with Senator Fetterman at Walter Reed discussing the rail safety legislation, Farm Bill and other Senate business. John is well on his way to recovery and wanted me to say how grateful he is for all the well wishes. He’s laser focused on PA & will be back soon. pic.twitter.com/143uAhoQRx
— Adam Jentleson (@AJentleson) March 6, 2023
The Virginia Democrat points out that “the treatment process (for Parkinson’s) is one that involves time and commitment” and that she will have good days and bad days.
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The post Democrat Rep Jennifer Wexton Announces Parkinson’s Diagnosis, Will Continue Working in Congress appeared first on The Political Insider.
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Democratic Representative Jennifer Wexton of Virginia announced on Tuesday that she has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. She made the announcement via a video posted to Twitter. “If there’s one thing that Democrats and Republicans can agree on, it’s that Parkinson’s disease sucks,” she said, a sentiment we indeed all can agree on. “Today, on
The post Democrat Rep Jennifer Wexton Announces Parkinson’s Diagnosis, Will Continue Working in Congress appeared first on The Political Insider.