CHICAGO - Announcing Friday that he has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, Rev. Jesse Jackson plans to dedicate himself to physical therapy. He says the diagnosis isn't a sign to stop working, but a signal to make life changes to slow the progression of the chronic neurological disorder that causes movement difficulties. Tremors, stiffness and problems with balancing, walking and coordination can result from the disease. "My family and I began to notice changes about three years ago," Jackson wrote in a statement. "After a battery of tests, my physicians identified the issue as Parkinson's disease, a disease that bested my father." The civil rights leader took to Twitter to post the news today. "Recognition of the effects of this disease on me has been painful, and I have been slow to grasp the gravity of it." Finding it increasingly difficult to perform routine tasks, Jackson says he is dedicating himself to physical therapy, but wants to continue to serve. "This diagnosis is personal but it is more than that," the 76-year-old says, "It is an opportunity for me to use my voice to help in finding a cure for a disease that afflicts 7 to 10 million worldwide." Ending his statement with a positive note, Jackson signs, "KEEP HOPE ALIVE!" The full statement can be read here
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