Serrano announces retirement after Parkinson's diagnosis

[Eugene]

Source: Politico

NEW YORK — Rep. Jose Serrano (D-N.Y.), a longtime Bronx congressman and one of the House's most liberal members, announced Monday he would not seek reelection in 2020 because he has been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.

“Today, I am announcing that I am living with Parkinson’s disease,” Serrano said in a press release.

“After my diagnosis, I initially planned to continue my work representing the people of the South Bronx far into the future — a responsibility that brings me great joy. Although this disease has not affected my work in Congress, over the last few months I’ve come to the realization that Parkinson’s will eventually take a toll, and that I cannot predict its rate of advancement. Because of this uncertainty, I do not intend to seek reelection in 2020. I do intend to serve the remainder of my term in the 116th Congress.”

Serrano, who has served in Congress since winning a special election in 1990, is 75 years old and is the longest-serving Hispanic-American in the House. The Puerto Rico native has long served on the House Appropriations Committee, where he currently chairs a subcommittee on commerce, justice, science and related agencies.

-snip-

By LAURA NAHMIAS 03/25/2019 01:47 PM EDT Updated 03/25/2019 04:59 PM EDT


Read more: https://www.politico.com/story/2019/03/25/jose-serrano-retirement-parkinsons-1235230

[mcar]

1. Best to him

Parkinson's is so difficult.

[Honeycombe8]

2. Oh, how sad.

Yes, I would think he would need to spend his time in a less stressful environment and take care of himself. Maybe it won't progress that quickly.

[Cold War Spook]

3. He was just diagnosted.

I was diagnosed in 2005 by my neurologist in my VA clinic. yes, maybe 20% of he time I need to use my cane. I know that everyone with Parkinson's Disease is different, but if that is the only reason he isn't running, he is giving in to the disease way too early. The averages are just that averages, but by the time he finishes another term in 2023, the most he will need is a cane. L-dopa sucks, but Rasagiline, which I am on, I do not have any side affects. Medications have come a long way in the last 20 years. Yes I am 75 and yes I take 16 different medications but I feel great and am staying active.

[AllaN01Bear]

4. gah, i hate that ilness along with alzthimers .

i have had friends that had both . i wish the gentleman well.