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I attended my first "unity" walk this week along with Rusty Glazer and Dana Gunnison of the Metro Washington Team. I want to commend Ken Aidekman, Margot Zobel, and all the many other organizers for another important step toward our victory over PD. I want to reinforce the theme of Unity that Ken emphasized in his address to the walkers utilizing language that I often use, "We have accomplished the most when we have worked together!!" In Washington the Udall Act and the NIH Research Agenda for PD are notable examples. Building bridges among PD organizations is necessary to accomplish our goals. The Alzheimer's Association provided an example of what a larger, unified organization can accomplish with its world conference in Washington last summer which turned many heads among the scientific community, policy makers, and patients. The Arthritis Foundation has joined with the Federal Government and States in a "Public Health Action Plan" to reach out to the community and prevent avoidable complications from the disease. I am happy to observe that now more than ever in my nearly 5 years with PD, Unity is on the ascendency among PD organizations. Without going into details I note efforts to coordinate and consolidate not only Legislative policy, but also scientific review of grants and even fund raising. I have received initial indications of cooperation and support from all the PD organizations in efforts to create public health plans for PD, similar to the arthritis plan, that address the issue of providing care for many with PD who do not now get effective treatment (as many as 1/3 are not diagnosed and ½ or more do not see a specialist). More steps are needed to deliver the cure that is hopefully now just around the corner.