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This was my 7th forum counting the renegade forum that I helped organize last year. Was it the best? most likely. Connecting the dinner, which I have also attended many years made it more powerful, and on top of that the hearing which was awesome by itself, made it an exceptional week. The primary objective of a visit to my representatives is lost for me (you know, taxation without representation in DC), but I had good meetings with staff of Sens. Wyden (4th time I have been there) and Smith (2nd visit) from OR and Bond from MO. For me the sidelines were the most productive. I had conversations with Executives from Pharm. companies, scientists, a Neurologist sent by AAN, and many advocates who share interests in Medicare coverage for DBS, development of patient registries, comprehensive patient services and of course, the pipeline that the cure must traverse BEFORE reaching all but a few test cases. I was especially touched by Paul Schroeder from Colorado, who told me how he broke his cycle of depression the day one month ago when I spoke to his group, PAR in Denver on advocacy, and how important it is for me and us that we stay involved and hopeful about the future which we are constructing ourselves little by little. Of course the best part was the people. I enjoyed seeing friends from past years and missed some of veterans who did not attend this year such as Joe/Nina Brown, Bob/Nancy Martone from Houston, Ken Aidekman and the Tuchmans from NJ/NY, Jim/Deborah Cordy from Pittsburgh (I reminded Sen. Spector that Jim couldn't be there just before the hearing, and he wanted to see the hour glass -- so Jim can you make me one for next time) and many others. The idea of a Manhattan Project (i.e. atomic bomb during WWII) was being floated around the meeting. With more promising science entering the pipeline, and the display of Parkinson's Power on Wednesday, I have come away thinking that such an effort might just work. For starters we could go a long way if NIH kicked the shortfall from the 1st 3 years of the PD Research Agenda. I come away exhausted and knowing there's lots to be done, but comforted by knowing companions on this journey are determined as I to reach the goal. Perry ---------------------------------------------------------------------- To sign-off Parkinsn send a message to: mailto:[log in to unmask] In the body of the message put: signoff parkinsn