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Dear Members of PIEN: I have been asked to forward this to you to emphasize its importance to you and me and all who share this rotten disease. Personally, I'm sick and tired of feeling sick and tired. Let's do our utmost to support research for a CURE!! If we who have the greatest motivation don't do it, who will? Barbara Patterson PIEN Listowner ============================================================================ Barbara Patterson [log in to unmask] HSC 2J22 905-525-9140, ext. 22403 School of Nursing ============================================================================ ---------- Forwarded message ---------- From: Tuchman Margaret <[log in to unmask]> **************************** A CURE CAN BE FOUND FOR PARKINSON’S DISEASE WITHIN 5 YEARS! What is The Parkinson Alliance’s role in reaching this goal? Based on the success of the first year of our operation and the unprecedented convergence of positive events taking place, The Parkinson Alliance decided to march boldly forward. There are many good reasons for optimism and choosing to be active participants in the battle. Ø Science is ready: Halting the progression of the disease, restoring lost function, and even preventing the disease are all realistic scientific goals. These hopes are fueled by the accelerated pace of discovery in neuroscience research, by advances in understanding what causes Parkinson’s, and by a wide variety of new treatments on the horizon, including stem cell transplants, precision surgical repair, chronic brain stimulation, and natural growth factors, to name a few. Ø The government is ready: The National Institutes of Health was requested by the House-Senate Conference Committee on Appropriations to “consult closely with the research community, clinicians, patient advocates, and the Congress regarding Parkinson’s research and fulfillment of the goals of the Morris K. Udall Parkinson’s Research Act.” This has been THE goal of our entire advocacy. Ø National Institutes of Health is ready: At a landmark meeting in November 1999, the directors and staff of the major components of NIH conducting Parkinson’s disease research worked together with patient advocates and initiated a planning process to ensure that extraordinary opportunities to move toward a cure are not neglected and that critical obstacles to progress are addressed. On January 4-6, 2000 a Workshop including scientists and representatives from several Parkinson’s advocacy groups discussed an agenda for Parkinson’s research that will direct the course action for the next few years. Ø The general public is ready: Riding the publicity – media exposure of Michael J. Fox’s announcement has provided the instant recognition that we sorely need. The public’s awareness of our plight is fuel for our progress. And it is a public/private partnership that will be required to support the expanded and targeted research enterprise we must undertake. Ø Dr. Gerald Fischbach, the distinguished director of NINDS is committed to the view that an initiative on Parkinson’s and related neurodegenerative disorders must be launched because the opportunity for a breakthrough is so great. And in particular, because Parkinson’s is a relatively simple condition – the chance of significant discovery within the next five years is very likely. Ø Further, Dr. Fischbach commends the efforts of private organizations funding pilot seed money grants for investigators to accumulate preliminary data for NIH grant applications. This method of assisting researchers needing a quick, short-term money source can best be accomplished by non-federal entities. Additionally, private groups can more easily interact with corporate, and non -profit foundations to increase their funds and thereby distribute more pilot grants. The Parkinson Alliance is in a perfect position to fill this role. Ø We have built a relationship with each of the major Parkinson’s organizations. And through our joint efforts with The Tuchman Foundation, we serve as a hub for fundraising, helping to meet the challenge that The Tuchman Foundation offers to leverage the total funding amount the organization may apply towards pilot study seed grant programs. During 1998-1999, 1.4 million dollars were devoted to 48 grantees and the plan is to increase this amount to 2 million this year. Ø The Parkinson Alliance has been utilizing the tools of partnering and challenge grants. Ø The major Parkinson organizations, APDA, PDF and NPF have opened their doors and are ready to continue to target money for pilot seed grant applications. Ø The Unity Walk and the PA are jointly sponsoring Team Parkinson, one of the charities involved in the LA Marathon. What about the Parkinson community? The PWPs, our Carers and children? Our friends and the community we live in? We must also be ready! Our dollars and those raised in our towns can make the difference. THE PARKINSON ALLIANCE CHALLENGE is offered to all donors. This means that if a donation of $500 is made, $1,000 is targeted for pilot study programs. Through the support of The Tuchman Foundation, the PA’s administrative costs are capped at 15%. The Alliance has initiated a focused fundraising campaign that is directed to the individual, groups, small business and corporation. We are doing a mass mailing and are in the process of finalizing steps for fundraising events in upstate New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Kentucky and California. We are prepared to offer guidance and help with start-up costs for any event that commits to raise funds for pilot study seed grants. --MAKE APRIL, PARKINSON AWARENESS MONTH, A GREAT SUCCESS---- TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THE PARKINSON ALLIANCE CHALLENGE-Any Time --------------DOUBLE THE VALUE OF YOUR DONATION------------- -----------------Would like to run a local event ----------- -----------------------------Let us help-------------------- We have “menus” and “recipes” to select the right event for your circumstances. Send your checks & Inquiries to: The Parkinson Alliance 211 College Road East Princeton, NJ 08540 Ph: 609-688-0870 Fax: 609-688-0875 CURE PARKINSON'S DISEASE BY 2005