 |
 |
News Release The Parkinson Alliance Names Director of Research Communications To Provide Up-To-Date Information On Research, Surgery and Medication For Immediate Release The Parkinson Alliance (www.parkinsonalliance.net), a Princeton-based national non-profit organization that raises money to finance scientifically validated Parkinson's disease research, announced the appointment of Jim Maurer as Director of Research Communications. Maurer, who was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease a decade ago, is recognized as a knowledgeable source of information about the latest medical research into the debilitating neurological disorder. He regularly meets with the leading researchers, and can provide up-to-date information about the most recent developments. Through his extensive networking, he fulfills a special role for the medical, research and patient-advocate communities. "We are absolutely delighted that Jim has agreed to join us as our Director of Research Communications," said Margaret Tuchman, president of The Parkinson Alliance. "Since he gathers his information about the latest Parkinson's disease medical research directly from the researchers, he is an invaluable resource on who is doing what." Ms. Tuchman added, "There is no one better than Jim in explaining in terms anyone can understand this very complicated disease." Carol Walton, Executive Director of The Parkinson Alliance, said Maurer will play a vital supporting role in the organization's. "Jim will be able to keep the Parkinson community up-to-date on grants that The Parkinson Alliance has helped to fund as well as newly developing therapies, medication and surgical techniques," said Ms. Walton. The Parkinson Alliance sponsors fundraising events and activities throughout the year. Through contributions from private foundations, each $1 in donation is matched and distributed to organizations that cooperate in the Alliance's efforts to leverage these funds for grants to collect pilot data. The Parkinson Alliance's ultimate goal is to help find a cure in five years. When asked about his association with the Parkinson Alliance, Jim Maurer commented that the Alliance provides him with a platform , "over the years I have worked hard to develop and maintain on-going relationships with many of the leading researchers. An important function that the Alliance performs is that we monitor the progress of the projects -- following up on the progress of grants is part of my responsibility. We want our donors to know exactly how their donation is used. We will be adding a special section to our web site incorporating the reports I provide on the status of each project". Maurer tracks the latest developments by contacting investigators and attending major symposiums. Maurer, who has personally participated in numerous experimental drug trials, also sees dispelling rumors that surround various surgical procedures or medications as a key part of his role, " there can be tons of misinformation about a new drug or a new type of surgery, I replace this misinformation with accurate data". He regularly communicates with large numbers of the clinical, surgical and research members of the international brain/neurology community. He is sought after as a speaker by Parkinson patient groups and one of his favorite activities is giving lectures to students at medical schools, 'putting a face on' a real life Parkinson patient. Additionally, Jim has been a patient advocate, often leaving his home in Boston at 4 AM to arrive in New York City to accompany a patient for a 9 AM appointment to learn about the advisability of having surgery. Jim has scrubbed during a number of patients' surgery. His presence in the surgical theater is a source of comfort to both patient and their family. As a political advocate, Jim has testified before Congressional committees encouraging and arguing for federal funding for stem cell research. He's also a non-voting member of the FDA Review Board relative to new drugs and devices. CONTACT: Carol J. Walton, Executive Director The Parkinson Alliance 1-800-579-8440 or 609-688-0870 [log in to unmask] ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn