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Friends - This week marks the 4th anniversary of the operation transplanting cells (obtained from specially bred pigs) into my brain in an attempt to diminish the ravages of Parkinson's Disease. This process is known as xenotransplantation. During the past 4 years I have written a diary of experiences with this exciting research. For those of you who have not read it, please go to Janet Paterson's WebSite where she graciously maintains the chronicle. <www.geocities.com/janet313/pienet/finn>. Yesterday I spent the entire day in Boston with the attending neurologist and his staff. They are the team that has been monitoring my progress both before and after the operation. The usual tests were performed; walking, balance, dexterity, speech, cognitive ability, rigidity, tremor, blood work, an MRI, etc. They are done twice; first in the "off" state (when I've had no medication for over 16 hours) and then again when "on." Even when "off" I do pretty well on most of the tests. In fact, there is no problem in getting from the parking lot to the doctor's office, a distance of several city-blocks. Prior to the operation such a task was extremely difficult; now I don't give it too much thought. The wheel chair (which I was having to use more frequently before the surgery) is collecting dust in the garage. Ditto the cane. Naturally, the freedom from these devices is most welcome. Two words came up during the day. They were "excellent" and "impressive." The medical staff is very pleased with my progress. While it is obvious I still have Parkinson's, the symptoms are greatly reduced. Let's hope this continues! Xenotransplantation is not without controversy. There is the fear of unknown viruses being transmitted (from another species) into mankind. I am happy to report that no viruses have shown up in any of the participants in this medical study. As you can tell, I'm pretty excited by all of this and firmly believe in this procedure. But it's clearly not for everyone. Out of the original group of 12 I apparently have had the best results. The question is, "Why?" Obviously, much research remains to be done. We may be seeing just the proverbial tip of the iceberg. A few words on publicity. While I have not sought any, I have made myself available to both print and broadcast outlets. The story of xenotransplantation, and the hope that it provides, is an important one. Not only to victims of neurological disorders but others as well. This research may lead to treatments and cures for a great variety of conditions. Things like diseases of the heart, liver, and lungs for example. The potential is enormous. The press knows this. As a result I have been inundated with requests for interviews. This story, and my small role in it, has been portrayed on television by "60 Minutes," "HealthWeek," and several other broadcasters such as the famed BBC. Several magazines, including "Popular Science" have published articles. Other projects are in production. Questions? Feel free to write directly to me and I'll do my best to answer them. Jim Finn