NEW YORK (April 11, 2018) -- Today, in recognition of World Parkinson's Disease Day, The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (MJFF) announces the iconic New York City landmark, the Empire State Building, will illuminate orange and white at 8 p.m. ET. Timed to World Parkinson's Day events taking place around the world, the Empire State Building lighting is intended to shine a spotlight on Parkinson's disease (PD) and the urgent need of a cure for the millions who currently live with the disease.
Parkinson's disease is a chronic, degenerative neurological disorder that currently affects nearly 1 million Americans and more than 6 million individuals worldwide. Scientists predict the global prevalence will double by 2040 to more than 12 million. Parkinson's is a complex disease -- symptoms and disease progression can vary greatly across individuals and there is no laboratory test or brain scan to confirm diagnosis. Further, there is currently no cure to slow, stop or reverse progression of the disease.
"Promise lies on the horizon for people with Parkinson's and their loved ones as scientific breakthroughs accelerate forward. Although research has made incredible progress, the millions who live with PD urgently need a cure and better treatments to manage their symptoms," said Veronique Enos Kaefer, vice president of community engagement at MJFF. "Tonight's orange glow from the Empire State Building is representative of the Foundation's commitment to supporting the Parkinson's community and we hope it is a reminder that a cure is closer than ever before."
Throughout all of Parkinson's Awareness Month in April, The Michael J. Fox Foundation calls on people with PD, their loved ones and caregivers, and researchers worldwide to join us in ending Parkinson's. From clinical trial participation to advocating for public policy and more, there are numerous ways to get involved. Learn more at michaeljfox.org/getinvolved.
Located in midtown Manhattan, New York City, the Empire State Building is a 102-story skyscraper that opened on May 1, 1931 and to date has become one of the most recognizable buildings in the world. As of 2017, the building is the fifth-tallest completed skyscraper in the United States and the twenty-eighth-tallest in the world. Since 1976, the Empire State Building's world-famous tower lights maintain a tradition of changing color each evening to honor holidays, cultural events and special causes.
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About The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research
As the world's largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson's research, The Michael J. Fox Foundation is dedicated to accelerating a cure for Parkinson's disease and improved therapies for those living with the condition today. The Foundation pursues its goals through an aggressively funded, highly targeted research program coupled with active global engagement of scientists, Parkinson's patients, business leaders, clinical trial participants, donors and volunteers. In addition to funding more than $800 million in research to date, the Foundation has fundamentally altered the trajectory of progress toward a cure. Operating at the hub of worldwide Parkinson's research, the Foundation forges groundbreaking collaborations with industry leaders, academic scientists and government research funders; increases the flow of participants into Parkinson's disease clinical trials with its online tool, Fox Trial Finder; promotes Parkinson's awareness through high-profile advocacy, events and outreach; and coordinates the grassroots involvement of thousands of Team Fox members around the world. For more information, visit us on the Web, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Pinterest.
Media Contact:
Christopher Rucas
crucas@michaeljfox.org
Office: 212.509.0995