Democrat, 54, reveals she has Parkinson’s: Virginia lawmaker Jennifer Wicksten says she’s ‘bad’ and affects her speech – but tells supporters not to ‘feel sorry’ for her and vows to stay in Congress
Democratic Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton has revealed that she has Parkinson’s disease.
The 54-year-old mother-of-two who serves Virginia’s 10th congressional district released a video Tuesday morning saying it was “bad,” but vowed to continue serving in Congress.
She revealed that it affects her speech and admitted that she is going to have some “bad days”.
“If there’s one thing Democrats and Republicans can agree on, it’s that Parkinson’s is sick,” Wexton said.
But, she added, “What is not Parkinson’s disease is an untreatable disease, a cognitive impairment, or a death sentence.”
I will not let Parkinson’s disease stop me from being me.
“I am confident that while I work with my doctor to get the treatment I need, I can continue to be a working mom and an active member of our community.”
Democratic Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton has revealed that she has Parkinson’s disease
Wexton came forward with her diagnosis on World Parkinson’s Day.
Parkinson’s disease is a progressive disease that affects the nervous system. There is no cure for it, but medications can help treat symptoms. About 90,000 people are diagnosed with the disease each year.
The Loudoun County Democrat came to Congress for the first time in 2018.
