Democrat Congresswoman Announces Parkinson’s Diagnosis

Rep. Jennifer Wexton (D-VA) announced Tuesday that she has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

The Virginia Democrat made the announcement in a video posted on Twitter to commemorate World Parkinson’s Disease Day, saying she has learned “firsthand” how much Parkinson’s disease “sucks.”

“If there’s one thing Democrats and Republicans can agree on, it’s that Parkinson’s disease sucks. 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,” Wexton said.

“Before I say anything else, let me share this: I’m doing well,” she added. “I’ve got a positive attitude, and I’ve got the strong support of so many family, friends, and loved ones.”

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

Wexton detailed how the movement disorder has affected her speech patterns, noting she speaks faster now and that the disease has affected her walking and how she keeps her balance.

“What Parkinson’s is not is an untreatable disease, cognitive impairment, or a death sentence. So please, you’re welcome to empathize, but don’t feel sorry for me,” Wexton said.

The National Institutes of Health defines Parkinson’s disease as “a brain disorder that causes unintended or uncontrollable movements, such as shaking, stiffness, and difficulty with balance and coordination,” adding that symptoms “begin gradually and worsen over time.”

She shared that she is working with her doctor on treatment and is still working as she normally would, and she said she hopes to keep serving her constituents “for many years to come.”

“I’m not going to let Parkinson’s stop me from being me,” Wexton said.

The Virginia congresswoman also acknowledged that while she is receiving treatment for the disease, there will be good days and “days that are not so good,” but she vowed to be a “fighter” like other prominent people who have been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease, including actor Michael J. Fox, former Attorney General Janet Reno, and boxer Muhammad Ali.

“I want to use my platform to be a voice for those struggling with Parkinson’s to help bring greater resources to the search for a cure,” Wexton said. “I chose to come forward 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 in Congress. Thank you all, and I look forward to seeing you soon. Take care.”

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke at the NIH says roughly 500,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease but that the number of people within the country with the disease is estimated to be as many as a million people. The disease is the second most common neurological disease in the country behind Alzheimer’s disease.

Wexton is in her third term in Congress representing Virginia’s 10th Congressional District, having initially won her seat in 2018 and fighting off a strong GOP opponent in last year’s midterm elections.