Policy
“We’ve All
Got to Fight
This Together”
Former Pennsylvania governor on
life with Parkinson’s
IN JUNE, former Pennsylvania Governor Ed
Rendell announced he has been living with
Parkinson’s disease (PD) for more than three
years.
“The first emotion I felt in the doctor’s office
when he told me I had Parkinson’s was surprise,”
says Rendell, who served as governor of
Pennsylvania from 2003 to 2011 and mayor of
Philadelphia from 1992 to 2000. “I always felt
like I was indestructible. It’s jarring to find out
you’re not.”
Edward G. Rendell, 45th Governor (D) of Pennsylvania
(2003-2011)
“Disease research
is an issue that
transcends politics,”
he says.
Despite the shocking news, Rendell wasn’t
afraid. Prior to his diagnosis, he was no stranger
to PD. “My mom had Parkinson’s disease, and
I was involved with some local Philadelphia
area Parkinson’s organizations, so I was familiar
enough with the disease,” he notes. “So while I
wasn’t afraid, I was concerned about whether
there was a treatment right for me.”
Soon after diagnosis, his doctor wanted him to
go public, but Rendell was hesitant. He wanted to
see how his treatment regimen would impact his
symptoms and well-being. Now, he feels like he
has a much better understanding of what it’s like
to have Parkinson’s and how it’s possible to live
well with the disease.
Rendell also has incorporated Parkinson's
advocacy into his life post-diagnosis. As a former
politician, he has relationships with several
members of Congress, and he’s made calls
urging them to support PD research funding.
Rendell encourages everyone in the Parkinson’s
community to reach out to their lawmakers on
this important topic.
“I’m ready to tell people that the sooner they’re
diagnosed and receive treatment, the better their
chances are of maintaining a higher quality of life.”
“Disease research is an issue that transcends
politics,” he says. “We’ve all got to fight this
together to get better treatments and work
toward a cure, and advocate strongly. Medical
research right now is amazing, and there’s
progress made every day. We need to increase
research dollars to keep it going.”
With a combination of medication and exercise,
Rendell feels great. He sees a physical trainer and
takes part in a workout that focuses on balance
and reflexes, as well as cognitive abilities and
overall confidence.
9
Fall/Winter 2018