During in appearance last May on WHAV’s Open Mike Show, Haverhill School Committeeman Scott Wood discussed Parkinson’s disease.
Haverhill School Committeeman Scott Wood travels to Washington, D.C., later this month to receive an award from the Dystonia Medical Research Foundation.
Wood is one of four people nationwide to be honored with the 2017 Douglas Kramer Young Advocate Award. Wood began advocating for victims of dystonia when a family member was diagnosed several years after developing Parkinson’s disease.
“I have seen firsthand how tough dystonia can be to deal with. This cause is near and dear to my heart,” said Wood. “This is a terrible disease that we must increase awareness for and find a way to increase research funding to find different treatments and ultimately a cure.”
Among the reasons Wood was selected to receive the award were his appearances over station WHAV to educate the public about Parkinson’s disease.
Dystonia is a disabling brain disorder that affects at least 250,000 Americans. Those affected struggle against their own bodies to walk, write, sit, eat and/or speak. Symptoms are frequently mistaken for mental illness.
Wood’s award recognizes exceptional volunteers who are giving voice to their stories through advocacy, the organization said. Volunteers gather in Washington, March 21 and 22 for meetings with Members of Congress to educate legislators about dystonia and speak out on issues that affect the community, namely federal research funding, treatment access, and health care reform.
Wood has long been involved in advocating on behalf of Parkinson’s disease patients, partnering with the National Parkinson Disease Foundation and Michael J. Fox Foundation.
scott you are doing a great job for our schools. time for higher office ?
Good man
Congratulations Mr Wood.