Hi,
My name is Bill Nowell,(57/2). I have received a list of names and
E-mail listings. I am trying to contact you and everyone else interested
to establish some type of Parkinson's Support Group communications
network in Washington.  I happen to believe that the primary reason that
only two of our Congressmen, at this time, have co-sponsored the Udall
Bill is because we have not effectively communicated and concentrated our
total effort and energy on those representatives who are not on board. I
think that our representatives want to do the right thing, but we have to
tell them what that really  is.   I think that it is great that Senator
Patty Murray and Slade Gorton, along with Congressman Norman Dicks and
Jim McDermott have done the right thing. Unfortunately, the remaining
representatives (in my opinion) haven't. It is hard to understand why,
during the last Congress Jennifer Dunn (8th Dist) was a cosponsor (HR
1462), but she hasn't signed up yet this year.  If there are any of her
constituents out there reading this, it might help if she were reminded
that we need her support again.  Let's help Jennifer and all of  our
representatives who have not cosponsored the Udall Bill by reminding them
we and their voters are counting on them.

I am going to see if we can establish a list of Parkinson's Support
Groups around the state. We will then be able to coordinate and be more
effective. I think it would be fantastic if every support group in the
state received a copy of every groups newsletter. This would certainly
educate and open up the lines of communications. There are so many of you
doing such great things that we could all use if we only share the
information and knowledge. I will be more than glad to act as the point
of contact and
would ask you to send me your comments, suggestions and recommendations
concerning this undertaking. I am sure that there are many of you that
are more qualified to do this than me and if you step forward I will
assist you as much as possible. In the meantime I will plug on because
there is no time to loose in our battle.

Some of the questions I have are do you belong to a Parkinson's Support
Group, where is it located? Are you a veteran, if so, which branch of
service? Do you have contact and communications with other groups? Is
there someone who has E-mail capability to act as a Network Point of
Contact (POC)?  Is there a telephone number of FAX available? When and
where do you meet, approximately how many members do you have? Do you
have contact with your congressional representatives? As you can see
there are a multitude of questions, but we can make this happen and make
sure that the Udall Bill is passed. There is a great deal of help
available from the NPF, PAN, APDA and others.  Let's make our WA
Parkinson's voice be heard loud and clear around the state and into the
chambers of congress.

 If we don't make it work and get the Udall Bill passed then who will?  I
look forward to hearing from you, reading your comments and suggestions
and making our undertaking a total success. Let's make "The Fighting
Flame" Burn Brighter in Washington.

Bill Nowell
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(360)412-0950