Former Pennsylvania Gov. Ed Rendell (D) revealed on Monday that he has Parkinson’s disease, and said he is seeking treatment.
“Three-and-a-half years ago, I was diagnosed with early onset Parkinson’s disease,” Rendell said at a news conference in Philadelphia. “When it happened, I was stunned,” he added.
“I was stunned because I’d always viewed myself as indestructible,” he said.
{mosads}Rendell said he made the decision to go public with his condition in order to send a message to people with the disease.
“Get in to see a doctor, get a diagnosis, and get treatment. Parkinson’s disease is not a death sentence,” he said.
Rendell, an opinion contributor for The Hill, said he has undergone physical therapy and works out twice a week, in addition to taking medication, which he has attributed to improving his symptoms.
“I’m convinced this has worked to significantly slow the progression of the disease,” the former governor said.
Rendell served as the governor of Philadelphia from 2003 to 2011 and was the mayor of Philadelphia from 1992 to 2000.
Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf (D) expressed his support for Rendell following his announcement on Monday.
“Pennsylvania has seen few leaders as tough as Ed, and we have full confidence that neither has Parkinson’s disease,” Wolf said.
“Ed should know that the entire commonwealth is standing behind him and hoping for the continued success of his treatment and therapy. As he always has, he is putting others first by going public with his diagnosis so others can also get the help they need.”