CurePSP's Jessica Shurer Honored with Position on National Parkinson's Project Advisory Council

Jessica Shurer Joins the National Parkinson's Project Advisory Council

In a significant move aimed at addressing the challenges faced by patients with atypical parkinsonisms, Jessica Shurer, Director of Clinical Affairs and Advocacy at CurePSP, has been appointed to the newly established National Parkinson's Project (NPP) Advisory Council. This council is pivotal in steering federal initiatives concerning Parkinson's disease and related conditions, including progressive supranuclear palsy (PSP), corticobasal degeneration (CBD), and multiple system atrophy (MSA).

Originally titled the Dr. Emmanuel Bilirakis and Honorable Jennifer Wexton National Plan to End Parkinson's Act, the NPP was enacted in 2024, backed by a strong bipartisan coalition. The establishment of the council comes as a crucial step in a long journey. For years, CurePSP and other leading organizations, including the Michael J. Fox Foundation, have collaborated with lawmakers and advocates to push for legislation that comprehensively addresses the spectrum of parkinsonian diseases. These efforts culminated in the NPP, demonstrating an expanding government commitment to neurodegenerative diseases.

Shurer's appointment carries profound significance, especially for those affected by atypical parkinsonisms. Conditions like PSP, CBD, and MSA remain underdiagnosed and lack effective treatments, highlighting the urgent need for federal attention and funding in this area. With her background as a clinical social worker, Shurer oversees CurePSP's extensive medical center network and leads advocacy efforts, making her a voice of expertise and firsthand community experience on the Council.

Commenting on her new role, Shurer expressed her honor at being able to represent the needs of the community, saying, "Giving voice and visibility to our community through my participation on the Council is a true honor. CurePSP will work in close partnership with stakeholders and partners to ensure the NPP delivers meaningful progress for every person affected by PSP, CBD, MSA, and related diseases." Her insights will guide the Council in evaluating federal programs and provide recommendations to the Secretary of Health and Human Services on research priorities, care access, and methods to alleviate the burden of these diseases.

Former Congresswoman Jennifer Wexton, who has lived with PSP, highlighted the importance of Shurer's role by stating, "This is a milestone in the federal government's commitment to neurodegenerative diseases. Living with PSP, I am thrilled that the Council will include someone whose career is dedicated to identifying gaps, opportunities, and priorities specifically for atypical parkinsonisms."

The Council consists of a diverse group of experts, including Debi Brooks, CEO and Co-Founder of the Michael J. Fox Foundation, Parkinson's patients, healthcare providers, researchers, and representatives from federal agencies. Together, they form a coalition that shares the common goal of intensively working towards ending Parkinson's disease and improving the lives affected by related conditions. The Council's first report, which is set to present to Congress, will be available in January 2027.

About CurePSP: CurePSP stands as the leading nonprofit organization committed to raising awareness and facilitating care and research for PSP, CBD, and MSA. The organization acts as a catalyst for new treatment developments and fosters essential partnerships to enhance education, support, and the quality of life for those impacted by these serious neurodegenerative diseases. Through its outreach, advocacy, and research funding, CurePSP aims to make a profound difference in the world of atypical parkinsonisms. With science and community at its heart, CurePSP embodies hope for patients and families alike.