Sparks Mayor Martini announces he has Parkinson's disease; plans to stay in office

Mayor Geno Martini

11/13/2015 

SPARKS, Nev. (MyNews4.com & KRNV) -- "Everybody loves Geno," Sparks City Council member Ron Smith said. "When you think of Geno Martini and Sparks, they go together."

Many people in Sparks think Geno Martini is a one-in-a-million mayor, but he's also one of about a million people living with Parkinson's Disease in the United States. Mayor Martini received his diagnosis in 2012, but didn't announce it to the public until Friday.

"I didn't feel quite right, so I went to a neurologist," Martini said. "He took a look, did a few things, and 'you've got Parkinson's.'"

Parkinson's is a movement disease that affects a person's motor functions. "It's a progressive disease where you lose functions and things like that," Martini said. "I'm feeling pretty strong now and I'm still moving along and doing most stuff."

The 69-year-old is well aware of what his future likely holds. "It's a tough disease," he said. "My father died from Parkinson's, so I know how devastating it can be."

Sparks city staff just found out about their mayor's diagnosis a few days ago. "Geno is a tough guy," council member Ron Smith said. "If anybody can get through this, he'll get through it."

Smith said he and the other council members plan to support Martini however they can through his term. "We're there to support Geno with whatever he needs. We'll pick up the slack if he can't do it."

Mayor Martini said he plans to keep serving Sparks for the next three years. "Sooner or later, the Parkinson's will get to you," he said, "but I intend to keep pushing through and filling out my term until 2018."

He's still chipper," Smith said. The Sparks mayor's vibrant personality is reassuring his fellow staff. "He's still Geno. He's got a positive attitude and that's what it will take."

Martini said the disease isn't slowing him down too much yet.

"Parkinson's hasn't really stopped me from doing anything at all."

READ the full statement from Mayor Martini, below:

“I am one of more than a million Americans diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. I was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in 2012. I have done my best to manage the matter privately, but have come to the realization that I now need to make this announcement. I feel great and remain strong and healthy and am continuing to receive great medical care from local physicians. While the disease has slowed me down a bit physically, I am committed to serving as Mayor through the end of my term (November 2018). I will remain engaged and involved in our community to enhance economic development and improve the quality of life for our residents. I am blessed to have a loving and supportive family, a first-rate dedicated staff at the City of Sparks, and to serve in the greatest job in the world. I love my hometown and its people, and I am grateful and overwhelmed for everyone’s love and support.”

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