This Declaration of Independence promotes the interests and well-being of people with Parkinson’s disease and other chronic illnesses by:

• Asserting the equal status to which we are entitled and the quality care we deserve.
• Empowering us to live well by preserving our independence and freedom for as long as possible.

We hold these truths to be self evident, that all people –- the temporarily healthy as well as the chronically ill -- are created equal and endowed with certain unalienable rights, and that among these are:

right to be recognized as “people,” not “sufferers” or “victims,” nor “subjects” in clinical trials. These labels diminish our power.

right to be treated with compassion, dignity, and respect by all healthcare professionals at all times.

right to choose our own doctors. Studies show that people who have good relationships with their doctors are most likely to attain optimal treatment results.

right to fully participate with our doctors in all decision-making affecting our health care. In order to make informed choices and achieve the best outcome possible, we must accept responsibility for learning about the potential benefits and risks of our treatment options.

right to live out our days, for as long as possible, in our own homes with access to the services necessary to do so and without creating financial hardship for our families.

right to equal access to quality care when and where we need it, regardless of our age, race, ethnicity, or income.

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