A hearty "THANK YOU!!" to all Listserve members who have contacted their Senators and Representatives in favor of federal funding for stem cell research, particularly in support of Michael J. Fox’s testimony. The Foundation has received great feedback from Capitol Hill informing us that "the phones were ringing off the hooks" last Thursday. Great work!

From the posted messages it is clear that Listserve members are aware the stem cell debate continues and that it is important to stay engaged in the issue. The Foundation will alert members as soon as a vote is scheduled.  In the meantime, please continue to urge Congress to immediately fund this vital research.

A very special thanks to Murray Charters for posting the Reuters news story about how the government ban has delayed potentially life-saving advances in stem cell research. For the over one million Americans with Parkinson’s - and millions more living with disease and disability - the cost of further delay is unacceptably high.

Lastly, it is important for Listserve members in Florida, and all across the nation, to know that Senator Connie Mack (R-FL) is strong and consistent supporter of federal biomedical research funding - including research involving stem cells. In fact, earlier this year the Foundation honored Senator Mack with a Morris K. Udall Award for his many years of leadership on health and research issues.  Sometimes the volume of correspondence compels Members of Congress to issue quick, generic responses - especially to email. Nonetheless, the Foundation urges and expects all Members of Congress, including Senator Mack, to make their positions on issues known in clear and unambiguous fashion.

Thanks again to all Listserve members for your commitment to advocacy in pursuit of a Parkinson’s cure.

Sincerely,

Michael Claeys                                                     

Senior Policy Coordinator

Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research

840 3rd Street

Santa Rosa, CA 95404

(800) 850-4726 - voice

(707) 544-2363 - fax