Democrat Jennifer Wexton reveals she has Parkinson’s Disease
Democratic representative, 54, reveals she has Parkinson’s: Mother-of-two Virginia lawmaker Jennifer Wexton says it “sucks” and affects her speech — but tells supporters not to “pity” her and vows in Congress to to stay
- She revealed that it affects her speech and admitted that she will have some “bad days.”
- But, she added, ‘What Parkinson’s is not is an untreatable disease, a cognitive impairment or a death sentence’
- Wexton came forward with her diagnosis on World Parkinson’s Day
Democratic Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton has revealed she has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
The 54-year-old mother of two who serves Virginia’s 10th congressional district released a video Tuesday morning in which she says it “sucks” but vows to continue serving in Congress.
She revealed that it affects her speech and admitted that she will have some “bad days.”
“If there’s one thing Democrats and Republicans agree on, it’s that Parkinson’s disease sucks,” Wexton said.
But, she added, “What Parkinson’s is not is an untreatable disease, a cognitive impairment or a death sentence.”
“I’m not going to let Parkinson’s stop me from being myself.”
“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 she has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease
Wexton, a member of the Appropriation and Budget Committees, came forward with her diagnosis on World Parkinson’s Day.
Parkinson’s is a progressive disease that affects the nervous system. There is no cure for it, but medications can help ease the symptoms. About 90,000 people are diagnosed with the disease each year.
The Loudoun County Democrat first came to Congress in 2018.
Wexton envisioned being sworn into Congress in 2019
Wexton is pictured above with her family